Barcelona's Lionel Messi has dominated the FIFA Ballon d'Or, with the Argentina forward having been been named as the world's best player for the past two years.
Lionel Messi —
Barcelona's Lionel Messi has dominated the FIFA Ballon d'Or, with the Argentina forward having been been named as the world's best player for the past two years.
Messi's teammate Xavi is on the three-man shortlist for the second year in a row. The Spain midfielder finished third last year, behind Messi and compatriot Andres Iniesta.
Xavi —
Messi's teammate Xavi is on the three-man shortlist for the second year in a row. The Spain midfielder finished third last year, behind Messi and compatriot Andres Iniesta.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world's finest player in 2008 and is once again shortlisted this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo —
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world's finest player in 2008 and is once again shortlisted this year.
Marta is a footballing phenomenon, with the Brazilian having been named the world's best female player in each of the last five years. The 25-year-old is once again in contention in 2011.
Marta —
Marta is a footballing phenomenon, with the Brazilian having been named the world's best female player in each of the last five years. The 25-year-old is once again in contention in 2011.
Homare Sawa finished top goalscorer and was named the best player at the tournament as Japan sealed an emotional triumph in the 2011 Women's World Cup. The midfielder is one of two players who can stop Marta winning a sixth consecutive award.
Homare Sawa —
Homare Sawa finished top goalscorer and was named the best player at the tournament as Japan sealed an emotional triumph in the 2011 Women's World Cup. The midfielder is one of two players who can stop Marta winning a sixth consecutive award.
Abby Wambach grabbed four goals as the U.S. reached the the final in Germany, only to be beaten on penalties by Sawa's Japan. Wambach will be hoping a possible FIFA Ballon d'Or can provide some consolation.
Abby Wambach —
Abby Wambach grabbed four goals as the U.S. reached the the final in Germany, only to be beaten on penalties by Sawa's Japan. Wambach will be hoping a possible FIFA Ballon d'Or can provide some consolation.
There could be further glory for Messi, with his clever chip and volley against Arsenal nominated for the FIFA Puskas award -- which is given to the player who has scored the "most beautiful goal of the year".
Messi v Arsenal —
There could be further glory for Messi, with his clever chip and volley against Arsenal nominated for the FIFA Puskas award -- which is given to the player who has scored the "most beautiful goal of the year".
England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also nominated for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City in February.
Rooney v Manchester City —
England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also nominated for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City in February.
Brazil's Neymar is the final nominee for the Puskas Award, with his brilliant solo dribble for Santos against Flamengo completing the three-goal list.
Neymar v Flamengo —
Brazil's Neymar is the final nominee for the Puskas Award, with his brilliant solo dribble for Santos against Flamengo completing the three-goal list.