Ronaldo and Messi on FIFA shortlist

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.