Ballon d'Or 2014: FIFA announces final three nominees for the award

Ronaldo, Messi and Neuer: The final three nominees

FIFA have just announced the final 3-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or. The 23-man list has been narrowed down to the final three and as usual, the predicted three finalists of this year are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the current holder of the individual accolade as he won it last year beating Messi and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery. Manuel Neuer becomes the first goalkeeper to be nominated in top three since 2002 while this is Messi’s eight straight nomination in the final three.

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter said, “Fans of football everywhere, look forward to this moment every year. This year we have been lucky enough to witness so many talents.”

"These awards show young players just what can be achieved through dedication and commitment. Crucially, these awards allow FIFA to show the spirit of fair play."

Manuel Neuer has conceded just 13 goals in 2014 and enjoyed a World Cup winning campaign with Germany this year in Brazil. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo had a fantastic season for Real Madrid both individually and collectively, ending up as the top-scorer in Europe and winning the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey.

Lionel Messi had a great World Cup outing as he reached the finals with Argentina, proving to be instrumental for his side. He was the winner of the Golden Ball award at the tournament.

Manuel Neuer can create history by becoming the first goalkeeper to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or in the 21st century if he lifts the coveted prize. The only goalkeepers to have been nominated before Neuer were Oliver Kahn (2002) and Gianluigi Buffon (2006).

To put Neuer’s chances in perspective, only one goalkeeper has been adjudged as the best football player of the year and that was legendary Lev Yashin, back in 1963.

The winner will be announced on January 12, 2015 at the Ballon d’Or Gala in Zurich, Switzerland.