Football's governing body FIFA has announced the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, the award given to the world's best player. The winner will be announced at a FIFA gala in Zurich on January 9.
2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist announced —
Football's governing body FIFA has announced the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, the award given to the world's best player. The winner will be announced at a FIFA gala in Zurich on January 9.
European and Spanish champions Barcelona dominate the shortlist, with a total of eight players nominated. Argentina star and 2010 winner Lionel Messi is once again up for the award, along Spain's World Cup-winning midfield partnership of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Also on the list are former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, defender Gerard Pique, striker David Villa, Brazil fullback Dani Alves and France's Eric Abidal.
European and Spanish champions Barcelona dominate the shortlist, with a total of eight players nominated. Argentina star and 2010 winner Lionel Messi is once again up for the award, along Spain's World Cup-winning midfield partnership of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Also on the list are former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, defender Gerard Pique, striker David Villa, Brazil fullback Dani Alves and France's Eric Abidal.
Barca's archrivals Real Madrid are also well represented, with 2008 winner Cristiano Ronaldo one of their five nominees. The Portugal attacker is joined by Germany's Mesut Ozil, France striker Karim Benzema, goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Barca's archrivals Real Madrid are also well represented, with 2008 winner Cristiano Ronaldo one of their five nominees. The Portugal attacker is joined by Germany's Mesut Ozil, France striker Karim Benzema, goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso.
English champions Manchester United were beaten by Barca in May's European Champions League final at Wembley, but Alex Ferguson's team still have two players shortlisted: England striker Wayne Rooney and Portugal winger Nani.
English champions Manchester United were beaten by Barca in May's European Champions League final at Wembley, but Alex Ferguson's team still have two players shortlisted: England striker Wayne Rooney and Portugal winger Nani.
Bayern Munich endured a frustrating end to last season, registering a third-place finish in the German Bundesliga. Despite a disappointing campaign, the four-time European champions are represented on the shortlist by Germany pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.
Bayern Munich endured a frustrating end to last season, registering a third-place finish in the German Bundesliga. Despite a disappointing campaign, the four-time European champions are represented on the shortlist by Germany pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.
Uruguay claimed a record 15th Copa America triumph in July, and La Celeste's strike duo of Inter Milan's Diego Forlan and Liverpool's Luis Suarez have been shortlisted for the award.
Uruguay claimed a record 15th Copa America triumph in July, and La Celeste's strike duo of Inter Milan's Diego Forlan and Liverpool's Luis Suarez have been shortlisted for the award.
Santos' teenage Brazil forward Neymar is the only player based outside of Europe to be nominated for the 2011 award.
Santos' teenage Brazil forward Neymar is the only player based outside of Europe to be nominated for the 2011 award.
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has made a flying start to his Manchester City career, and the former Atletico Madrid star could cap a fine year by being the named the planet's best player.
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has made a flying start to his Manchester City career, and the former Atletico Madrid star could cap a fine year by being the named the planet's best player.
Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is a four-time African player of the year, and the Anzhi Makhachkala striker could clinch the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career.
Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is a four-time African player of the year, and the Anzhi Makhachkala striker could clinch the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career.
Inter Milan's Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder has again been nominated. Last season he was named in the FIFA world XI but did not make the final three-man cut.
Inter Milan's Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder has again been nominated. Last season he was named in the FIFA world XI but did not make the final three-man cut.