Ballon d’Or 2009 shortlist

The final shortlist of 10 players for the Ballon d’Or, the European Footballer of the Year award, has been revealed.

England have two candidates, with Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney in the reckoning.

Last year’s winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, now at Real Madrid, is again up for the honour, although Barcelona star Lionel Messi is considered favourite for probably the most prestigious individual prize in world football.

European champions Barcelona are well represented, with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and summer recruit Zlatan Ibrahimovic also named.

Samuel Eto’o, who moved to Inter Milan as part of the Ibrahimovic deal, is also in the running, but he is the only Italian-based player named.

Former AC Milan star Kaka, now at Real Madrid, is also up for the award, while the list is made up by Chelsea star Didier Drogba, the third representative from the Premier League.

The winner is revealed by France Football next Tuesday.

Ten finalists:
Didier Drogba

Samuel Eto’o

Steven Gerrard

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Andres Iniesta

Kaka

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney

Xavi