Real Madrid and Spain star Sergio Ramos is the highest-ranked defender in the 2017 Goal 50.
The 31-year-old is coming off the back of another outstanding season, having become the first player to lead Los Blancos to a league and European Cup double since Juan Alonso in 1958.
Ramos contributed an impressive 10 goals to the Madrid cause - a new personal best for the centre-half over the course of a single campaign.
There was a precious equaliser in the 1-1 Liga draw at Barcelona that preserved his side's unbeaten run, which ultimately stretched to 40 matches, as well as a dramatic late winner against Real Betis during the title run-in.
Next Match
Ramos also drew Madrid level at a time when they were 1-0 down on the night - but still 3-2 up on aggregate - in their Champions League last-16 tie with Napoli.
As a result of his decisiveness at both ends of the field, the World Cup winner finished above fellow defenders such as Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves in this year's Goal 50.
But where exactly did Ramos finish? Find out when the full Goal 50 list is published at 1200 UK time on Tuesday!
The Goal 50 is an annual award that both recognises and ranks the world's 50 best footballers of the past 12 months. Chief editors and correspondents from Goal's 37 editions around the world all cast their votes, with candidates judged on their level of consistency over the previous year of action, their big-game performances, footballing legacy and the success of their teams at both club and international level.