23-man shortlist for 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or announced – La Liga News
The 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award has been announced. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629, have made the cut alongside 21 other select candidates.
Spaniards dominate the list with seven nominations, while Catalan coach, Pep Guardiola, is also among the candidates for the coach of the year award.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Xabi-Alonso-c37045, and Xavi will be representing the World Cup winners.
It resembles the plot of 2009, as Messi and Ronaldo are pitted against each other. Adding to their mix are members of La Roja’s 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Winners of this summer’s edition of Copa http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Uruguay-c3035, have also been included in the prestigious list of individuals. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have gotten the nod for the two time World Cup winners.
Three German players have been included in the list, whilst France is being represented by two players. Interestingly, the two French players nominated both ply their trade in the Iberian Peninsula.
Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 have gotten the nod for the French.
On the other hand, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-Alves-c9869 will carry the Canarinha flag.
Russian Premier League superstar, Samuel Eto’o, is the only African player to be included in the prestigious list. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736.
Barcelona have the highest representation amongst club sides. Eight players of the UEFA Champions League winning team have been nominated for the annual prize.
On December 5, 2011, the shortlist of three candidates will be announced by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 Football. The final award will be presented on January 9, 2012, at the Zurich Kongresshaus.
Last year’s winner, Lionel Messi, is odds-on favourite to retain his crown. The pint-sized attacker finished last season with 53 goals and 24 assists in all competitions and has followed it up with 19 goals and 11 assists in the ongoing campaign.
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