La Liga trio nominated for FIFA Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi have split the
prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or award between them each year since 2008, but
Brazil’s Neymar, who receives a first nomination, hopes to spoil their party
------------------------------------------------------------
Lionel Messi ARG
Age: 28
Debut: 2004
Club: Barcelona
Position: Forward
Dominated from 2009 to 2012 but has lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo for last two years 
2015: Reached final of Copa America with Argentina – scored 48 goals to date, despite injury concerns
------------------------------------------------------------
Neymar BRA
Age: 23
Debut: 2009
Club: Barcelona
Position: Forward
Would be fifth Brazilian to win award, after Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka
2015: Won Champions League and La Liga with Barcelona. Superb form this season – top scorer in Spain with 14 goals
------------------------------------------------------------
Cristiano Ronaldo POR
Age: 30
Debut: 2002
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Forward
Aiming to claim third successive award – took 38% of vote in 2014, eclipsing Messi 
2015: Scored 500th career goal. Became all-time top scorer for Real Madrid, surpassing club legend Raul
------------------------------------------------------------
Source: FIFA© GRAPHIC NEWS
Pictures: Getty Images
words 181