The world's best male footballer will be crowned on Monday evening as the men's Ballon d'Or lands in new hands. But the award's prestige means some unforgettable names have played second fiddle. Since 1956, the Ballon d'Or has stood as the definitive measure of greatness. England's Sir Stanley Matthews was the first to claim the coveted prize and in the years since, he's been succeeded by footballing royalty.

Lionel Messi's eight awards are what many of his fans cite as definitive proof that he's the GOAT. Cristiano Ronaldo's five are just as staggering. For this landmark 70th edition, to honour Matthews, the ceremony will take place at the London Palladium.

One star will walk away anointed the world's finest, whilst another must settle for silver. However, the list of those who have placed second in the men's voting and never won it makes for incredible reading.

It includes some of the sport's brightest-ever lights, so Express Sport has taken the opportunity to rank the 17 best.

17. Deco (2004)

16. Davor Suker (1998)

15. Frank Lampard (2005)

14. Virgil van Dijk (2019)

13. Raul (2001)