Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named on the three-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.
The Germany shot-stopper is joined by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neuer enjoyed a stellar season last campaign, winning the Bundesliga title and German Cup with Munich and the World Cup with his national side.
Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record three times while Ronaldo was last year's champion.
Nadine Kessler (Germany), Marta (Brazil) and Abby Wambach (USA) will contest the women’s award.
The candidates for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football and FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football awards have also been announced.
The contenders are: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid CF), Joachim Loew (Germany/German national team) and Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico de Madrid), along Ralf Kellermann (Germany/VfL Wolfsburg), Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-19 and U-20 national teams) and Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan national team) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award.
All the awards will be presented at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 12 2015.
- Source: talksport.