Ronaldo's nomination comes after the 33-year-old last week denied rape allegations levelled against him by a woman who sued him in court in the United States.
In his domestic career, James had moved to Spain from the French side AS Monaco directly after claiming the World Cup Golden Boot with his six goals at the 2014 competition in Brazil.
Here is what you need to know about their route to the final
Brazil scored twice in the last four minutes, the second a first international goal from Real Madrid striker Rodrygo, to cap a comfortable 4-0 win over Paraguay in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte.
Reactions to collapse of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen
Clubbed in a veritable group of death for next year's World Cup, Australia believe they can spring a surprise while fellow Asian qualifiers Japan, South Korea and Iran were more cautious with their optimism despite being dealt kinder draws.
Germany will retain their World Cup title in Moscow to equal Brazil's record of five wins in the tournament, according to a Reuters poll of financial specialists more used to predicting market moves.
Scaloni did not say what the injury was but he showered Messi with praise on a night Argentines took to the streets in huge numbers to celebrate their first international title 11 in 28 years and Messi's first victory with the national side.
Juventus striker Dybala only recently recovered from the coronavirus himself but was in good spirits and proved too good for the Real winger Gareth Bale in a FIFA 20 video game as part of a Combat Corona fundraiser for UNICEF at the weekend. With the coronavirus pandemic bringing soccer across the globe to a standstill, the world of esports has helped keep players and fans entertained.
Constantine interviewed by Chennaiyin FC
A new study has revealed three words that are most widely used by people around the world to describe each of the 32 teams in the ongoing World Cup.
Former Real Madrid and England manager gives a clear explanation to the Messi vs Ronaldo debate
India coach Stimac hits out at AIFF.
And, since, pictures speak more than words, Rediff.com brings you images from these sporting events and others that made headlines in the week gone by.
The FIFA Under-17 World Cup Trophy arrived in Goa -- the land of beaches -- on Friday after mesmerising Mumbai last week.
In a historic first for international football, seven women officials have been picked as support referees for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India, which kicks off on October 6.
India began the year on 97 in FIFA rankings, but after two wins, four draws and seven losses, the country ended 2019 at 108
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is planning a fresh 24-team Club World Cup to start with a 'pilot' edition in 2021.
'This modern-day recovery, matchups, data, sports science, I'm not sure. I would've said just let me be.'
Modric beats Djokovic to win Balkan athlete of year
'Oh, I need competition. When someone says he's better than me, I want to transcend him. Ronaldo wants to be the best at everything, (France striker Kylian) Mbappe also wants to win everything.'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Take a look at images from events that caught our attention in the week gone by.
"I just said to them they were unbelievable. Congratulations. They made history. Enjoy it. This is unbelievable."
India is scheduled to play two qualifiers, one match each against Afghanistan and Oman on November 14 and 19 respectively.
Playing in a FIFA World Cup remains a pipe dream for India
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field.
Seven-time champions India were held to a goalless draw by 205th ranked Sri Lanka despite a dominant display in their second SAFF Championships match, in Male, on Thursday.
Marta became the all-time leading scorer at the women's World Cup on Tuesday as Brazil vaulted to the top of Group E with a 2-0 win over South Korea, while Eugenie Le Sommer's superb long-range strike gave France victory over England.
Images from the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches on Sunday night.
The autopsy, which was based on blood and urine samples and released by the Buenos Aires Scientific Police, said Maradona had problems with his kidneys, heart and lungs.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who followed FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the podium, directly compared UEFA's revenue to FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Diego Maradona is delighted by plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams and Argentina's former captain said on Monday that it would rekindle interest in the tournament.
India's football coach Stephen Constantine announced his preliminary squad of 38 probables for India's forthcoming back to back 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification matches against Oman and Guam respectively.
On the last day of the competition, Yash Vardhan and Shreya Agrawal bagged three gold medals each.
The FIFA Under-17 World Cup semi-final between Brazil and England has been shifted from Guwahati to Kolkata because of poor pitch conditions in the North-Eastern city.
Star Ghana World Cupper and most capped player Asamoah Gyan has joined Indian Super League side NorthEast FC for the upcoming season.
PES 2018 does add some value to the genre, says Kakoli Chakraborty.
Images from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers played in Europe on Monday
El Salvador players claim they have been offered financial inducements to win, draw or avoid a heavy defeat in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Canada.
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