Ballon d’Or 2011 Shortlist announced

 Today saw the Ballon d'Or shortlist released listing the players across the world who could be named this years World player of the year.

It is no surprise that 8 Barcalona players were named on this years Ballon d'Or shortlist after their domination of the European & Spanish leagues. Last years winner Lionel Messi is again on the shortlist and is tipped by many to take the prize again.

Other Barcelona players on the FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist include Cesc Fabregas, Dani Alvez, Andres Iniesta amongst others. Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid feature 5 players on the shortlist including former Man Utd player Cristiano Ronaldo & ex Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso

One of the surprising features of this years Ballon d'Or shortlist is the lack of British players on the list and also British based players playing in the English Premier League.

The only English or British player on the list is Man Utd’s Wayne Rooney and there are only 3 other players who are based in the Premier league who are Man Utd’s Nani, Liverpools Luis Suarez & Man City’s summer signing Sergio Aguero.

The list is narrowed down to 3 players on the 5th of December ahead of the announcing of the winner of the Ballon d'Or on the 9th January 2012.

Ballon d'Or – Managerial shortlist

Today also saw the Ballon d'Or managerial shortlist announced with the usual suspects on the list with Man Utd’s Alex Ferguson & Barcalona’s Pep Guardiola topping the list of nominees.

The Ballon d'Or was renamed in 2010 to the FIFA Ballon d'Or after the Ballon d'Or & the FIFA World player of the year were merged to create 1 title to crown the best football player from the previous year.

Footballs top names have won the Ballon d'Or including greats such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini & Marco van Basten who have won the title no less than 3 times.

Be sure to check back in January for the crowning of the 2011 Ballon d'Or Winner and in the mean time check out FIFA for all the latest Ballon d'Or news.

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