FIFA Ballon d'Or

The field of contenders has been narrowed down and the final shortlist has been revealed. The following three players remain in the running for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014. Join us for the official ceremony on 12 January 2015 to find out which of these three stars will be handed the coveted award and recognised as the best individual talent for the past year in world football.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

PORTUGAL

The year 2014 could not have started better for Cristiano Ronaldo, as he became the first Portuguese player to win a second FIFA Ballon d’Or. The top scorer in La Liga with 31 goals in 30 games, Ronaldo played a huge part in Real Madrid’s tenth UEFA Champions League triumph, finding the back of the net 17 times in the course of their campaign, a new record for the competition.

Lionel MESSI

ARGENTINA

Despite the fitness problems that hampered his start to the season, Lionel Messi still managed to end the 2013/14 Spanish La Liga campaign as its second-highest scorer with 28 goals, though his contribution was not enough to secure Barcelona the title. The 26-year-old star made up for that disappointment and his club’s exit in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by guiding Argentina to the Final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, where he scored four goals and collected the adidas Golden Ball. Fresh from that achievement, the four-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner is now gunning for the Spanish league’s all-time goalscoring record.

Manuel NEUER

GERMANY

Manuel Neuer has been the undisputed No1 in goal both for reigning world champions Germany and record German titleholders Bayern Munich for several years now. He made numerous magnificent saves at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ to play a key role in his side’s title success and was deservedly awarded the adidas Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Neuer also added two further medals to his collection in 2014 after winning the league and DFB Cup double with Bayern. It is not only his breathtaking reflexes on the line that help Neuer to stand out, but also his talent on the ball and ability to participate in team moves.