The shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or was unveiled on Monday and to no surprise the three finalists all ply their trade in La Liga.
Former winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were joined by Barcelona star Neymar as nominees for the yearly honour given to the world player of the year.
Ronaldo is the reigning two-time winner of the award. Before that, Messi won the honour four years in a row. This is the first time in Neymar’s career that he has cracked the short list.
Messi has scored 48 goals so far in 2015, despite being injured for two months. He and Neymar were crucial in helping Barcelona win the triple last season—La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. Ronaldo scored 48 times for club and country, helping Portugal qualify for UEFA Euro 2016.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at a gala in Zurich on Jan. 11.
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