Zurich: Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Neymar are among 23 candidates on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or announced by FIFA on Tuesday.
Ribery, who won UEFA's best player in Europe award for the 2012-13 season, helped Bayern Munich win the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup titles.
Messi, winner of the last four Ballon d'Or awards in voting by coaches, team captains and media, was injured late in the season and could not prevent Barcelona from being beaten by Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals. The winner will be announced on January 13 in Zurich.
Two now-retired managers - Alex Ferguson of Manchester United and Bayern's Jupp Heynckes - are among 10 nominees for FIFA's coach of the year award.
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