Ronaldo, Messi, Ribery shortlisted for Ballon d’Or

Johannesburg – Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo were on Monday shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or, according to reports.

According to Sport24, Barcelona forward Messi has already won the title four times but seems less of a hot favourite this year after an injury-hit season.

French winger Ribery was part of a Bayern Munich team that claimed an unprecedented treble of Champions League, German title and German Cup, as well as the European Supercup, the report said.

Real Madrid’s Portugal striker Ronaldo won the 2008 Ballon d’Or and has been tipped to win the award this time around, the report added.

The Ballon d’Or will be presented in Zurich on January 13, the report further said.

Ribery’s former Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes is up against ex-Manchester United supremo Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund) in the male coach of the year nominees, according to the report.