FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer have made the final shortlist for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or award – Real Madrid star, Ronaldo, is favourite to claim his third title in Zurich on January 12
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Lionel Messi ARG

Age: 27

Debut: 2004

Club: Barcelona

Position: Forward

Nominated for World Player each year since 2007 – wins in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 

2014: Broke historic records to become all-time leading scorer in both La Liga and Champions League
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Cristiano Ronaldo POR

Age: 29

Debut: 2002

Club: Real Madrid

Position: Forward

Won second Ballon d’Or in 2013 after breaking four years of domination by Lionel Messi 

2014: Won Champions League with Real. On course to break La Liga goals per season record with 20 strikes to date
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Manuel Neuer GER

Age: 28

Debut: 2006

Club: Bayern Munich

Position: Goalkeeper

First goalkeeper to receive nomination since compatriot Oliver Khan in 2002 

2014: Claimed second Bundesliga title with Bayern before playing crucial role as Germany won World Cup in Brazil
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Source: FIFA

Pictures: Getty Images

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