Rooney makes Ballon d´Or shortlist

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has made the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 23-man list is dominated by World Cup winners Spain with seven candidates included from the squad that lifted the trophy in South Africa, while 2011 Copa America holders Uruguay have two players in contention to take home the award.

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 while Rooney is the only Englishman, alongside three other Premier League representatives.

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

The list will be shortened to three candidates in December while the will be revealed in Zurich on January 9 next year.

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

Full list:

Eric Abidal (France), 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)