FIFA World Player Of The Year Shortlist

[Sean]

The Shortlist

Adriano (Inter, Brazil)
Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich, Germany)
David Beckham (Real Madrid, England)
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy)
Cafu (Milan, Brazil)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Portugal)
Deco (Barcelona, Portugal)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Ivory Coast)
Michael Essien (Chelsea, Ghana)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Cameroon)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, England)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal, France)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus, Sweden)
Kaka (Milan, Brazil)
Frank Lampard (Chelsea, England)
Paolo Maldini (Milan, Italy)
Pavel Nedved (Juventus, Czech Republic)
Alessandro Nesta (Milan, Italy)
Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton, Nigeria)
Raul (Real Madrid, Spain)
Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal, Argentina)
Arjen Robben (Chelsea, Holland)
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Robinho (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Brazil)
Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Wayne Rooney (Man Utd, England)
Andrei Shevchenko (Milan, Ukraine)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd, Holland)
Zidane Zinedine (Real Madrid, France)

Totals
English Premier League: 10
La Liga: 10
Serie A: 9
Bundesliga: 1

Fifa have unveiled their shortlist for World Player of the Year, with Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Frank Lampard all in the running.

Current holder of the title Ronaldinho is again nominated along with last year's beaten finalists Thierry Henry and Andrei Shevchenko.

Gerrard is believed to stand the best chance of an English winner after enjoying a fantastic season with Liverpool last term, inspiring them to UEFA Champions League glory.

Premiership champions Chelsea have four players nominated with Lampard joined by Michael Essien, Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba.

Manchester United have three players on the shortlist in the shape of Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid have five players in the running while Milan have four stars nominated for the prize.

The winner will be announced on December 19.

Source: Sky Sports

 

[Lee]

Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Ivory Coast)

Why is he there? I know he's played well this season but it's only early and his form last season doesn't deserve a place among the football elite.

 

[Gregor]

No surprises apart from Droba & espically J-J who was **** last season (but has been back to his old self this season)

 

[Kris]

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, England)

He gets my vote. He had a great season last year and is such a good player who should not be at Liverpool

 

[ajw]

Gota admit,im surprised ruud is there,I think alot of players are there on reputation

I think i'l have to say one of Lampard,Ronaldinho,Kaka

 

[Sean]

You have got to love the way it's 'World' player of the year, yet every player plays in Europe. In your face South America!!

 

[ajw]

Haha,although if you count the different nationalities...

 

[Sean]

Haha,although if you count the different nationalities...

Hmm....

8 South Americans
18 Europeans
4 Africans

Not bad

 

[Jack]

Drogba shouldnt be in there but i supose hes doing ok this season.

Suprised David beckham is in there because he hasnt done that wel but the most suprising is jay jay.. hes not good enough to be in that List.