ZURICH, Dec 9: World governing body FIFA named Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery as the three nominations from a 10-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award on Monday.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi has won the prestigious award, formerly called FIFA World Player of the Year, for the past four years, while Real Madrid’s Ronaldo topped the poll in 2008.

Ribery helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and the Champions League last season. The Ballon d’Or will be presented in Zurich on January 13.

FIFA announced the shortlist after voting rules changes made Ronaldo the favourite after helping Portugal qualify for the World Cup last month.

FIFA gave voters — national team captains and coaches, plus selected journalists — two extra weeks to choose from 23 candidates.

Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Sweden helped lift his tally to 67 goals for Portugal and Real Madrid in 2013.

Messi scored 45 goals for Argentina and Barcelona but seems less of a hot favourite this year after an injury-hit season.—Agencies