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Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer make Ballon d'Or final three
FORMER Manchester United icon and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to pick up his second successive Ballon d'Or award, with competition coming from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer.
Ronaldo will be hoping for another Ballon d'Or win
Ronaldo is the overwhelming favourite to land the prestigious title, with odds of 1-7 after another sensational season that saw him lead Real to their tenth Champions League victory at the expense of fierce rivals Atletico.
Messi is 7-1 to win back his crown after a slightly subdued year at the Nou Camp, although the Argentine now holds both records for most La Liga goals and most Champions League goals in history after attracting interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Neuer has been given less-than-favourable odds of 10-1 after playing a key role in Germany's triumphant World Cup campaign in Brazil, whilst also setting the benchmark for aspiring 'sweeper-keepers' worldwide.
The shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or is @cristiano, Lionel Messi & @Manuel_Neuer #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/x7Kt7kCEED
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 1, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo Player Profile
Fans of football everywhere look forward to this moment every year
And speaking after the announcement was made, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Fans of football everywhere look forward to this moment every year.
"This year we have been lucky enough to witness so many talents.
"These awards show young players just what can be achieved through dedication and commitment.
"Crucially these awards allow FIFA to show the spirit of fair play."
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