For Real Madrid, the 2018/19 season may have been a poor year in terms of both LaLiga Santander and the Champions League. Yet two players have distinguished themselves, both Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric have been recognised for their performances and have been included in FIFA's 'The Best' team selection.
Ramos has been a regular feature as an XI of the best performing players in world football over the calendar year with 2019 inclusion being his tenth time in the team.
The Croatian Modric is now a five-time inclusion in the team selection but his recognition has been a little slower in coming, not least because of the midfield monopoly held on the award by Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta in their prime years.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Virgil van Dijk are the finalists for the individual men's award with the Dutchman hoping to be the first defender to win such individual acclaim since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
Having already lifted the award for being the best player in the Champions League for 2018/19, Van Dijk is considered the favourite to win the global award later in 2019.