Lionel Messi is among the 23 football stars nominated for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or, which could potentially mark his fifth win. Franck Ribéry, the Frenchman from Bayern Munich, is another strong contender, having won the Champions League, Bundesliga, and German Cup. Notably, six players from Bayern Munich, constituting a quarter of the list, are included.
The list of nominees:
- Gareth Bale (WAL, Real Madrid)
- Edinson Cavani (URU, Paris-SG)
- Radamel Falcao (COL, Monaco)
- Eden Hazard (BEL, Chelsea)
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE, Paris-SG)
- Andrés Iniesta (ESP, FC Barcelona)
- Philipp Lahm (GER, Bayern Munich)
- Robert Lewandowski (POL, Borussia Dortmund)
- Lionel Messi (ARG, FC Barcelona)
- Thomas Müller (GER, Bayern Munich)
- Neymar (BRA, FC Barcelona)
- Manuel Neuer (GER, Bayern Munich)
- Mesut Özil (GER, Arsenal)
- Andrea Pirlo (ITA, Juventus Turin)
- Franck Ribery (FRA, Bayern Munich)
- Arjen Robben (NED, Bayern Munich)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (POR, Real Madrid)
- Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER, Bayern Munich)
- Luis Suarez (URU, Liverpool)
- Thiago Silva (BRA, Paris-SG)
- Yaya Touré (CIV, Manchester City)
- Robin van Persie (NED, Manchester United)
- Xavi (ESP, FC Barcelona).
Yaya Touré is the only African player in the list, known for his exceptional midfield skills and his contributions to clubs like Monaco, Barcelona, and Manchester City. The winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 will be announced on January 13, 2014.
