FIFA during the week named the list of players shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d’or 2012 edition, with a host of star names battling it out for the crown.
The 23 man list contains 12 players who ply their trade in La Liga, including two-time winner Lionel Mesi, who received the European Golden Boot (shoe) award on Monday.
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be a strong contender for the prestigious prize as well, having played a big role in his side’s title success last seasons, with the help of fellow nominees Mesut Ozil, Iker Casillas, Karim Benzima, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos.
The final decisions will be made by the captains and coaches of the national teams and international media representatives, before an announcement of the three finalists on November 29 in Sao Paulo.
The Ballon d’or gala will take place at the Zurich Kongresshans on January 7, 2013, along with the presentation of the presidential and fair play trophies on the same night.
The 23 man list are as follows; Sergio Aguero (Man city), Merio Balotelli (Man city), Karim Benzema (R/Madrid), Gianlmgi Buffon (Juventus), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (R/Madrid), Dicher Drogba (Shangai Shenhna), Radamal Falcao (A/Madrid), Zlantan Ibrahimorie (Paris St. Germain), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mannel Nawer (Bayer Minnich), Neymar (Santos), Mesut Ozil (R/Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (R/Madrid), Christiano Ronaldo (R/Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Man united), Yaya Toure (Man city), Robin Van Persie (Man United), Xabi Alonso (R/Madrid), and Xari Hernandez (Barcelona).
