Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar named as Ballon d’Or candidates

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar make up the three-man Ballon d’Or shortlist.

The annual award honours the world’s best player for the previous calendar year.

While Real Madrid’s Ronaldo and Messi are regulars on the final nominees list, Messi’s Barcelona teammate has appeared in the final three for the first time.

Ronaldo has claimed the last two awards, while Messi won the previous four editions.

Ronaldo and Messi have shared the award between them since it was won by Kaka in 2007.

Last 10 Ballon d'Or winners

2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo

2013 – Cristiano Ronaldo

2012 – Lionel Messi

2011 – Lionel Messi

2010 – Lionel Messi

2009 – Lionel Messi

2008 – Cristiano Ronaldo

2007 – Kaka

2006 – Fabio Cannavaro

2005 – Ronaldinho

Players with the most Ballon d'Or wins

Lionel Messi – 4

Cristiano Ronaldo – 3

Johan Cruyff – 3

Michel Platini – 3

Marco van Basten – 3

Alfredo Di Stefano – 2

Franz Beckenbauer – 2

Kevin Keegan – 2

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2

Ronaldo – 2

The winner will be announced at Fifa’s Ballon d’Or Gala in Zurich on 11th January.

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