Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi were nominated on Monday for the FIFA World Player of the Year title. Brazil's Kaka, the 2007 winner, and Spanish pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi completed the shortlist for the title which will be awarded by soccer's governing body FIFA on Dec. 21.
All five nominees play for Spanish clubs -- Ronaldo and Kaka for Real Madrid and Xavi, Messi and Iniesta for Barcelona. They have emerged from an initial 23-strong shortlist.
The winner will be chosen by national team coaches and captains, who cannot vote for players from their own country.
Romney ekes out win in Ohio
Human rights added to draft law
Gillard 'confident' she will stay as PM
Gillard says she has colleagues' strong support
Texas school district embarks on widespread iPad giveaway
Syrian FM urges foreign journalists to respect rules
At least 7 killed in Afghan Quran burning protests
Self-immolation acts condemned by deputies
Forced labor outlawed for people in detention
Foodies drive gourmet market boom in S. Africa
Bin Laden's compound demolished
Shanghai court postpones iPad decision
Comic collection could yield serious money
Hearing ends without ruling over iPad name
Two girls commit suicide in pursuit of time travel fantasy
Aircraft carrier to begin service this year
More US kids living in high-poverty areas
Expats fuel demand for domestic helpers
Despite ban, smoking is rampant in Internet bars
Leaders, lawmakers discuss work report
Worker wakes up without left kidney
Expats get wide range of services at new Pudong center
US, Philippines to hold joint military exercises
Foreign ambassadors note strength of China's growth
Iran denies nuke activity at military site
Australian PM knocks out rival, but not discontent
Chavez 'stable' following surgery
Aussie FM resigns in leadership spat
Elderly junkies find 'real freedom' at Dutch home
Storms wreak havoc in Midwest US, killing at least 12