Ronaldo and Messi on FIFA shortlist

Sat, 31 Oct 11:54:03 2009

Reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo is in the running to retain his title after being named on a 23-man shortlist for this season's award.

The Real Madrid and Portugal star heads a familiar cast of the world's leading talent as voting commences ahead of the annual gala in Zurich on December 21, which also includes Barcelona's Lionel Messi as a strong candidate.

Spain provide six nominees - goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defender Carles Puyol, midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi and strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.

England, with four - Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and John Terry - are next, while Brazil (three) and France (two) are the only other countries with more than one player nominated.

FIFA World Player 2009 shortlist:

Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Michael Essien (Ghana), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Steven Gerrard (England), Thierry Henry (France), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Carles Puyol (Spain), Franck Ribery (France), Wayne Rooney (England), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).

 

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  1. to be honest to football fan in the world, fifa need to­ look performances of players in the club and is own­ country for me is only Dider Drogba deserves award 4­ 2009

    From fozmor, on Sat 7 Nov 2:16PM

  2. I think an african player shld mke it this­ time.eto'o

    From Peters M, on Wed 4 Nov 9:26AM

  3. i think iniesta deserves it

    From pond.simba, on Tue 3 Nov 3:37PM

  4. For sure the CAP fits Lionel Messi, so let him wear if.­ McCarthy

    From mckoyng, on Mon 2 Nov 3:32PM

  5. i think we all no who best and who the crown fits

    From oyerinde, on Sat 31 Oct 9:24AM

  6. ronaldos the best in curent form but messi was great­ last year

    From WALTER, on Fri 30 Oct 6:45PM

  7. Messi deserves to win every individual award..... rite

    From Bank007, on Fri 30 Oct 6:30PM

  8. Be the third to comment this article!

    From Bunyod o, on Fri 30 Oct 4:36PM

  9. Be the second to comment on this article!

    From Pixie's Master, on Fri 30 Oct 2:43PM
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