FIFA reveal Ballon d´Or shortlist

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo have made the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

Manchester United players Wayne Rooney and Nani have also made the cut alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero.

The list is dominated by 2010 World Cup winners Spain with seven candidates to win the trophy, while 2011 Copa America holders Uruguay have two players in contention to take home the award.

Meanwhile, three German players still have a chance to win the Ballon d’Or, while Argentina and Brazil will have to settle for two candidates.

Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto’o is the only African player to have made the cut.

Champions League holders Barcelona are the best represented club team on the list with eight players up for nomination.

The winner of the award will be revealed at the Zurich Kongresshaus on January 9, 2012. On December 5, 2011 FIFA and France Football will announce the names of the three men who have received the most votes.

Last year’s award was won by Messi ahead of his Barcelona team-mates Iniesta and Xavi.

Full list: Eric Abidal, Karim Benzema (France), Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi (Argentina), Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, David Villa, Xabi Alonso, Xavi (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani (Portugal), Dani Alves, Neymar (Brazil), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wayne Rooney (England), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)