As ever, the Goal 50 is already provoking plenty of debate - despite the fact that the release of this year's list of the 50 finest footballing talents in the game today is still two days away.
On November 14, we will unveil the latest Goal 50, our prestigious annual award that ranks the top performers in the world over the previous 12 months.
Chief editors and correspondents from Goal's 37 editions around the world have cast their votes, with candidates judged on their level of consistency in 2017, their big-game performances, footballing legacy and the success of their teams at both club and international level.
With that in mind, it was hardly surprising, then, that Cristiano Ronaldo claimed last year's prize, after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid before then inspiring Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
Ronaldo is the favourite to finish top of the pile this year, after he helped Los Blancos retain their European crown, but chief correspondent Peter Staunton has only deemed the forward good enough for second spot.