Kaka, Messi, Xavi, Torres, Ronaldo listed
Sunday, 14 December 2008
LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters): European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo was among five players shortlisted for FIFA's World Player of the Year award Friday.
Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Xavi, Brazil's Kaka and Lionel Messi of Argentina join Portugal's Ronaldo in the running for the award, which will be announced on January 12 in Zurich.
Nadine Angerer (Germany), Cristiane (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany) and Kelly Smith (England) will contest the women's award.
The shortlist was produced from a poll of coaches and captains of national teams around the world.
Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Xavi, Brazil's Kaka and Lionel Messi of Argentina join Portugal's Ronaldo in the running for the award, which will be announced on January 12 in Zurich.
Nadine Angerer (Germany), Cristiane (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany) and Kelly Smith (England) will contest the women's award.
The shortlist was produced from a poll of coaches and captains of national teams around the world.