Ballon d'Or 2013

[Ginger Ninjas]

Long list for the annual award out today...

Fifa world men's player of the year shortlist: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris St-Germain), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Thiago Silva (Paris St-Germain), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Robin Van Persie (Manchester United), Xavi (Barcelona).

Fifa coach of the year shortlist: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid CF), Rafael Benítez (Napoli), Antonio Conte (Juventus), Vicente Del Bosque (Spain), Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United's former coach), Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich's former coach), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea), Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).

Bale the only Brit on the list, no English players nominated for the first time in a long while. Will this be the year that Ronaldo finally triumphs over Messi? Think Dortmund are under-represented on that list given the impact they've made in the last 12/18 months...

[genome]

Messi & Heynckes for me.

[Twin Lake]

I just cannot understand how coaches like Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are on those lists. Talk about making up the numbers.

[Silver Fox]

Surprised Liam Kelly didn't make the list

[TBM]

Messi & Heynckes for me.

Ronaldo & Heynckes for me

[soggy biscuit]

Can see Ribery getting it

[Sanguine]

Despite 50+ goals in the season, again, I can see this being the year Messi doesn't get it.

[TBM]

Despite 50+ goals in the season, again, I can see this being the year Messi doesn't get it.

I was shocked to learn the other day, that Messi is still only 26 - he's got another 10 years at least

[Sanguine]

And Ronaldo is only 28.

[SPARTA]

Ashley Young an early favourite for Fallon d'Flor 2013.

[St. Brynjar]

Very surprised Reus isn't nominated. Had a fantastic year.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Ribery is favourite. Ronaldo worth a punt at 9/1? How/when is this decided?

[Terminal Boardom]

My money on the Manager award is on Fergie in recognition of his amzing record at Man Utd and considering he has now retired.

[Barry the bird boggler]

Ashley Young an early favourite for Fallon d'Flor 2013.

I see what you did there....

[Magic Hat]

Ibrahimovic must be in with a shout.

[soggy biscuit]

Ronaldo says he has changed his mind and will now attend the ceremony. Spanish journalists are reporting that FIFA contacted him this week to tell him that he has won the award to try and talk him into going.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Ribery is favourite. Ronaldo worth a punt at 9/1? How/when is this decided?

Anyone get on?

[soggy biscuit]

The boy can jump

[Pepe the Horseman]

[sandman]

Ronaldo wins.