But despite winning the Golden Ball in Brazil, breaking the all-time Spanish goalscoring record and eclipsing Raul to break the Champions League equivalent, Messi endured a sub-standard year by his lofty standards. Ronaldo is targeting consecutive crowns after winning in 2013.
The Portuguese forward helped Real Madrid end their hunt for an elusive Decima – a 10th Champions League crown – starring as they thrashed Bayern Munich in the semi-finals before notching a late penalty against Atletico Madrid in the final. Neuer made a string of impressive displays en route to Germany lifting the World Cup.
His famed sweeper-keeper role was most evident during the thrilling last-16 victory over Algeria where he had 21 touches outside his penalty area. The Bayern Munich star is the first goalkeeper to make the shortlist since Gianluigi Buffon in 2006 and is now aiming to become the first goalkeeper to win the award since Lev Yashin in 1963.
The FIFA award was founded in 1991 before merging with France Football's Ballon d'Or, which dates back to 1956, in 2010. Germany manager Joachim Loew, Real’s Carlo Ancelotti and Atletico’s Diego Simeone were nominated for the Coach of the Year award. The winners will be announced on January 12 at a ceremony in Zurich.
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