Ballon d'Or: What is the Yashin Trophy?

Yashin Trophy holder Emi Martinez
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Yashin Trophy is back. The Ballon d'Or will be handed out in a glittering ceremony in Paris next month – but the world football's most prestigious individual prize is not the other thing up for grabs.

The nominees were confirmed last week as a shortlist that did not contain either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since 2003 was unveiled. Now, the Ballon d'Or favourites are starting to form, as players hope to join a long list of illustrious winners.

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Joe Mewis

For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team.