Barcelona's Lionel Messi heads a 23-strong shortlist for the FIFA world player of the year award.
Messi has scored 73 goals for Barcelona in all competitions this year, leaving him just two short of Pele's 75 for Santos and Brazil in 1959.
He is also closing in fast on Gerd Mueller's all-time calendar year record of 85 for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972.
Messi's main rival for the award appears to be Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo but Spain keeper and fellow Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas is another strong candidate.
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is also on the list, while Wayne Rooney is the only English player to be nominated.
The award, also known as the Ballon d'Or, will be presented on January 7th.
