Messi Makes Ballon D’or Final Shortlist.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been nominated in the final three-man shortlist for the 2014 FIFA Ballon D’or Award along with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern’s Manuel Neuer.

The Argentine featured in the top three for a record 8th consecutive time.
The Barca star is on course for his 5th crown but will face strong competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer who completes the three man list.
Also, the final shortlists for the Women World Player Of The Year, Men’s Coach Of The Year, Women’s Coach Of The Year and Puskas Award were also announced.

FIFA Ballon D’or Final Nominees

FIFA Ballon D’or
Lionel Messi (Argentina and Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal and Real Madrid)
Manuel Neuer (Germany and Bayern Munich)

FIFA Women’s World Player Of The Year
Abby Wambach (USA)
Marta (Brazil)
Nadine Kessler (Germany)

FIFA Men’s Coach Of The Year
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid)
Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico Madrid)
Joachim Loew (Germany/German National Team)

FIFA Women’s Coach Of The Year
Ralf Kellermann (Germany/VFL Wolfsburg)
Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-19 and U-20 National Teams)
Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan National Team)

FIFA Puskas Award
Stephanie Roche
James Rodriguez
Robin Van Persie

The votings were made by Captains and Head Coaches of the Men’s and Women’s national teams of the 209 member association as well as the international Journalists selected by FIFA and France Football.
The winners will be announced at the Ballon d’or gala in Zurich in January 12, 2014.

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