BALLON D’OR 2013: CAN YAYA TOURÉ DO IT? WHO WILL BE THE 3 FINALISTS?

FIFA has revealed the list of 23 nominees for the 2013 Ballon d’Or. The final three candidates will be announced later today (13 GMT). The controversy surrounding the voting deadline extension due to the Cristiano Ronaldo and Sepp Blatter incident added intrigue to the race. Lionel Messi’s injury and absence for four weeks also stirred speculation. Franck Ribéry, who had a remarkable year with Bayern Munich, received support from France. The winner will be announced during the annual FIFA gala on January 13, 2024.

Complete list of 23 nominees:

1. Gareth Bale (WAL, Real Madrid)
2. Edinson Cavani (URU, Paris-SG)
3. Radamel Falcao (COL, Monaco)
4. Eden Hazard (BEL, Chelsea)
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE, Paris-SG)
6. Andrés Iniesta (ESP, FC Barcelona)
7. Philipp Lahm (GER, Bayern Munich)
8. Robert Lewandowski (POL, Borussia Dortmund)
9. Lionel Messi (ARG, FC Barcelona)
10. Thomas Müller (GER, Bayern Munich)
11. Neymar (BRA, FC Barcelona)
12. Manuel Neuer (GER, Bayern Munich)
13. Mesut Özil (GER, Arsenal)
14. Andrea Pirlo (ITA, Juventus Turin)
15. Franck Ribery (FRA, Bayern Munich)
16. Arjen Robben (NED, Bayern Munich)
17. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR, Real Madrid)
18. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER, Bayern Munich)
19. Luis Suarez (URU, Liverpool)
20. Thiago Silva (BRA, Paris-SG)
21. Yaya Touré (CIV, Manchester City)
22. Robin van Persie (NED, Manchester United)
23. Xavi (ESP, FC Barcelona).

Feel free to participate in the poll to share your opinion on the potential winner of the 2013 Ballon d’Or.