Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and
Manuel Neuer have made the three-man
shortlist for the 2014 Fifa Ballon d'Or.
The Real Madrid attacker, 29, could win
the prestigious individual award for a
third time after lifting the trophy in 2008
and 2013.
Ronaldo played a key role in Madrid's
successful Champions League campaign
last season, scoring 17 goals to set a new
record for most goals scored in the
competition in one season.
Barcelona star Messi, meanwhile, is in
contention to scoop the accolade for a
record fifth time, and has hit top form in
recent weeks to add weight to his case.
The 27-year-old attacker did not win any
major trophies with Barcelona in 2014,
but enjoyed a successful season on a
personal level as he became both La Liga
and Champions League all-time top
scorer in November.
Neuer, finally, makes the three-man
shortlist for the first time in his career and
could become the first goalkeeper since
Lev Yashin in 1963 to be voted the
world's best footballer.
The 28-year-old won the Bundesliga title
and DFB Pokal with Bayern Munich,
before crowning a superb year by winning
the World Cup with Germany.
Other favourites such as Thomas Muller,
Toni Kroos, Arjen Robben and Philipp
Lahm miss out on a podium spot.
Fifa and France Football will announce the
winner on January 12 at the Fifa Ballon
d'Or Gala.
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