Fifa World Player of the Year Award: 2009

It will soon be that time, when FIFA announce the winner of this year’s World Player of the Year award. According to bbc.co.uk, there are a total of 23 players that are in running for the prize, with the winner being announced on December 21st.

England stars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry, are all players that have been shortlisted for the prize. Although it looks like Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, is the strong favorite to win this year’s award.

And it looks like there are six Spaniards and six from the Champions League winners Barcelona, that are also in the running for the prize, as well as Fernando Torres, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

For more on this story and a full list of nominees, visit here.