SINGAPORE - The list of candidates for the Fifa Ballon d'Or award is out, and none of the three names are a big surprise to football fans.
Which means to say that Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are all fully deserving of being named the top player of the past year.
Still, there can only be a winner in the Jan 11 award ceremony. So how good are each of their chances of winning football's top individual prize?
NEYMAR
Forward, 23, Brazil/Barcelona
Why he should not win: This is the first time the Brazilian has appeared in the final shortlist of three candidates. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award since 2008, and it does not seem likely that Neymar can break this domination yet. This, however, may change in the next few years.
LIONEL MESSI
Forward, 28, Argentina/Barcelona
Why he should not win: He had a spell out of with injury, and as a result, has not been effective as he used to be.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Forward, 30, Portugal/Real Madrid
Why he should not win: With Real not winning any trophy this past year, the Portuguese's star is somewhat dimmed, when compared to the exploits of his rivals Messi and Neymar.
