France coach Didier Deschamps believes Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann could win the Ballon d'Or when the prize is awarded on Monday.
While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been the sole victors of the honour in the last eight years, Griezmann's impressive 2016 gives him a chance.
After firing 32 goals as Atletico finished third in La Liga last season and reached the Champions League final, Griezmann, 25, ended Euro 2016 as top scorer as hosts France finished runners-up to Portugal.
"Of course he has a chance," Deschamps told L'Equipe. "But wait, Antoine is only 25. Ronaldo and Messi are around 30. Antoine is coming, he is changing that hierarchy a bit.
"The two others are very consistent. He has performed really well over the last two years. It's already a great personal and collective success for him to be at that level."
After a six-year merger with FIFA, France Football -- the original instigators of the Ballon d'Or in 1956 -- reclaimed the award for itself this year.
A panel of 173 journalists from around the world will select the winner from the 30 nominees, with the victor named at 20:00 CET on Monday.