Messi favorite to win Ballon d’Or

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Messi nominated for Ballon d’Or

Messi has been nominated for Ballon d’Or, Messi is one of the main favourites for the award after scoring one of Barcelona’s goals in their 2-0 Champions League final win over Manchester United last season.

The Ballon d’Or is an award handed out to the world footballer of the year. It is voted for by journalists and organised by France Football magazine.

The list contains 10 English-based players with Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) all shortlisted.

Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is also nominated and is a strong contender to beat Messi to the award, with Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) and Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) also strong contenders.

The winner will be announced on December 1.

30 Nominees for Ballon d’Or 2009

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
3. Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal)
4. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
6. David Villa (Valencia),
7. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
8. Diego (Juventus)
9. Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)
10. Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg)
11. Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
12. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich),
13. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
14. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
15. John Terry (Chelsea),
16. Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
17. Kaka (Real Madrid)
18. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
19. Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
20. Maicon (Inter Milan)
21. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United),
22. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
23. Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan)
24. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
25. Thierry Henry (Barcelona)
26. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United),
27. Xavi (Barcelona),
28. Yaya Toure (Barcelona).
29. Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux)
30. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona)