Messi, Ronaldo, Neuer shortlisted for FIFA Ballon d'Or

Messi, Ronaldo, Neuer shortlisted for FIFA Ballon d'Or

LIONEL Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue their perennial rivalry on the world football scene with Manuel Neuer as the new entrant on the... 02:28

LIONEL Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue their perennial rivalry on the world football scene with Manuel Neuer as the new entrant on the FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist for 2014.
Ronaldo and Messi, between them, have won the world footballer award six times, with the Argentine captain accounting for the title four times.
The last time out Ronaldo emerged the winner which was his second.
Germany goalkeeper Neuer played a major role in his country's emergence as the world champions at the summer mundial in Brazil, where he was voted the best goalkeeper.
Neuer made a string of impressive displays en route to Germany lifting the World Cup. His famed sweeper-keeper role was most evident during the thrilling last-16 victory over Algeria where he had 21 touches outside his penalty area.
The Bayern Munich star is the first goalkeeper to make the shortlist since Gianluigi Buffon in 2006 and is now aiming to become the first goalkeeper to win the award since Lev Yashin in 1963.
The FIFA award was founded in 1991 before merging with France Football's Ballon d'Or, which dates back to 1956, in 2010.
Germany manager Joachim Loew, Real’s Carlo Ancelotti and Atletico’s Diego Simeone were nominated for the Coach of the Year award.
The winners will be announced on January 12 at a ceremony in Zurich.