Cristiano Ronaldo could be Best FIFA Men’s Player for the second year running after being included in the final shortlist for the 2017 award along with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
The trio had been named in an initial 24-man list of nominees last month and will now fight it out for the prize when it is handed out at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on Oct. 23 in London. The award, which covers the period of Nov. 20, 2016, to July 2, 2017, is voted for by national team coaches, captains, selected media and fans.
Ronaldo emerged winner at the inaugural award last year and is a favourite to claim the award next month after a year that saw him help Madrid to a third Champions League crown in four seasons and a first La Liga title in five years, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ronaldo faces familiar competition from long-time rival Lionel Messi, who ended as La Liga’s top scorer with 37 goals — 12 ahead of Ronaldo — and helped Barcelona to Copa del Rey success in what was a largely disappointing season for the club.
Neymar, who finished third in the 2015 Ballon d’Or voting, is also in the race. The Brazil forward became the world’s most expensive player this summer when he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a €222 million deal.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate