For the seventh time in eight years, the dynamic duo of Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to head for the title of world's best footballer after being short-listed for the 2015 FIFA Ballon D'or. Also up for the honor is Messi's Barcelona teammate Neymar.
Argentine Messi, who will now have been on the podium for an amazing nine successive years, won the award four times in a row between 2009 and 2012. He is an overwhelming favorite to lift the trophy for a fifth time, despite losing two months to injury, he has still scored 48 goals while inspiring Barca to a Champions League/La Liga/King's Cup treble.
Portugal's Ronaldo has won three times, once when he was at Manchester United in 2008 and the most recent two editions at Real Madrid. He also has 48 goals to his name for club and country in 2015, but Real's fortunes have slumped and his protests on the chatshow beat that he is still the number one have held just a little less conviction than usual.
Brazilian Neymar will be seeking his first honor as the world's best player. The Ballon d'Or vote has been made by national team coaches and captains and leading journalists, with the winner being announced at a ceremony in Zurich Jan. 11.