Ronaldo in line to retain FIFA accolade

REIGNING FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo is in the running to retain his title after being named on a 23-man shortlist for this season’s award.

The Real Madrid and Portugal star heads a familiar cast of the world’s leading talent as voting commences ahead of the annual gala in Zurich on December 21, which also includes Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as a strong candidate.

Spain provide six nominees – goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defender Carles Puyol, midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi and strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.

England, with four — Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and John Terry — are next, while Brazil (three) and France (two) are the only other countries with more than one player nominated.