Ronaldo, Messi on FIFA player of the year list

Published Oct. 30, 2009 8:08 p.m. ET

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Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are on a 23-player shortlist for this year's FIFA player of the year award.

Other contenders include Barcelona teammates Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Carlos Puyol and Thierry Henry. Samuel Eto'o, who won the Champions League title with Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan, is also on the list.

Champions League runner-up Manchester United is represented by Wayne Rooney. Ronaldo, last year's winner, left United in the offseason and is joined by Madrid teammates Iker Casillas and Kaka.

Brazil forward Marta won the last women's awards and has been nominated again.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 21 in Zurich.