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VOTE: Who will win Ballon d'Or? Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery?

Last updated on: December 10, 2013 15:16 IST
Lionel Messi

Football’s world governing body FIFA nominated Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery from a 10-player shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award in December.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi won the prestigious award, formerly called 'FIFA World Player of the Year', for the past four years, while Real Madrid's Ronaldo topped the poll in 2008.

Messi scored 56 times for Barcelona last season, helping the Catalans win the Spanish title while Ribery helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

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VOTE: Who will win Ballon d'Or? Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery?

Last updated on: December 10, 2013 15:16 IST
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF

Despite not winning any silverware last season Portuguese Ronaldo is favourite to end Messi's reign as officially the world's best player when the results are announced on January 13.

The 28-year-old Portuguese has scored 69 goals in 2013 - a tally superior than any other player on the planet and 24 more than Messi's total of 45 over the same 12-month period -- and bagged a stunning hat-trick as Portugal beat Sweden in a World Cup qualifying playoff to reach next year's finals in Brazil.

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, Bayern Munich's Jupp Heynkes and Borussia Dortmund's Juergen Klopp form the shortlist for the Coach of the Year award.

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VOTE: Who will win Ballon d'Or? Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery?

Last updated on: December 10, 2013 15:16 IST
Franck Ribery

Ribery was instrumental in Bayern Munich’s Champions League win last season.

Paris St Germain's Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to make the final Ballon d'Or shortlist although he is in contention for the Puskas Award for the "most beautiful goal of the year" for his long-range overhead volley against England.

The nominees for the various awards were confirmed after votes were received from captains and head coaches of member associations of FIFA and international media representatives selected by FIFA and France Football magazine.

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VOTE: Who will win Ballon d'Or? Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery?

Last updated on: December 10, 2013 15:16 IST
The Ballon d'Or trophy

Take the poll below and name your world player of the year: