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FIFA has shortlisted Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the 2009 World Footballer of the Year award. The world football ruling body published the names of 23 shortlisted players on Friday.
Ronaldo was the winner of the prestigious prize last year who joined Real Madrid in summer from Manchester United.
Barcelona's Messi is the strongest contender this year as he has given his club outstanding season highlighted by the European Champions League title Barca won in summer.
The shortlist features six players from Spain, ranging from goalkeeper Iker Casillas to midfielder Xavi and strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.
It includes the 2007 World Footballer Kaka, who is now also at Real Madrid in a summer transfer from AC Milan. Former football superpower Italy’s only candidate is goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The women's list of 10 players is led by three-time winners Marta of Brazil and Birgit Prinz of Germany.
The shortlists will be cut to five men and five women in early December and the announcement will be done at the FIFA World Player Gala on December 19.
