ZURICH, (Reuters) – Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made the final three candidates for the FIFA Ballon D’Or award on Monday, joining former winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the shortlist.
Argentina and Barcelona forward Messi, winner on four occasions, made the shortlist for the eighth time in a row and Portugal’s Ronaldo, last year’s winner, for the fourth time running.
Germany coach Joachim Loew, Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone were selected for the Coach of the Year award. The final ceremony will take place in Zurich on Jan. 12.
The FIFA world player of the year award was founded in 1991 and merged with France Football’s Ballon D’Or in 2010.