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Messi (24), claimed the accolade in 2009 and 2010, while Barcelona teammate Xavi (31), was third in 2009 and 2010.
Real Madrid’s Ronaldo (26), triumphed in 2008 and was second in 2007 and 2009.
Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has been nominated for Goal of the Year, while boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in contention for Coach of the Year.
Rooney has been nominated for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City last season.
Also on the shortlist is Messi’s clever chip and volley over Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny in the Champions League last 16 last season, along with Neymar’s incredible solo effort for Santos against Flamengo in July.
Ferguson is up against Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho for the Coach of the Year award.
The 69-year-old Scot led United to a record 19th English championship — the 12th under his stewardship — as well as guiding the club to the Champions League final, where they lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.
Guardiola also steered Barca to success in La Liga, edging out Mourinho’’s Madrid, who gained some revenge by lifting the Copa del Rey with a 1-0 defeat of the Catalans in Valencia.
Argentina international Messi, is the favourite to make it a hat-trick of Ballon d’Or wins after another stunning season for Barcelona, scoring 53 goals in all competitions.
World Cup winner Xavi, is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, while Ronaldo has helped revitalise Madrid, scoring 53 times for Real Madrid.
Brazil’s Marta will be looking for a sixth consecutive Women’s Player of the Year award but faces competition from Japan’s Homare Sawa and American Abby Wambach.
The Fifa Ballon d’Or is voted for by journalists and the coaches and captains of international teams.
The award winners will be announced on 9 January in Zurich. — BBC.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi