FIFA have released a 23-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon dOr award, traditionally awarded in December, and the list is largely dominated by players who starred at the World Cup.

The only surprises came in the way of omissions rather than surprise inclusions, with Inter players Lucio and Diego Milito somehow missing out on a nomination despite playing pivotal roles in helping the club win both Serie A and the Champions League.

The list is dominated by players from La Liga, with eleven players nominated, including Andres Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup Final against Holland. Iniestas performances at the World Cup should see him at least make the final three along with Lionel Messi and Wesley Sneijder, who was imperious for Holland on their way to the final, and will also be remembered for a number of performances in the Champions League, particularly at Stamford Bridge and in the final again Bayern Munich.

The absence of any Italians, Englishmen or Frenchmen provides yet another indication of their underachievements this summer.

The full list is as follows

La Liga Xabi Alonso (Spain), Daniel Alves (Brazil), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego Forln (Uruguay), Andrs Iniesta (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Carles Puyol (Spain), David Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).

Bundesliga Miroslav Klose (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Thomas Mller (Germany), Arjen Robben (Holland), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany).

Serie A Samuel Etoo (Cameroon), Jlio Csar (Brazil), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Maicon (Brazil).

Premiership Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Cesc Fbregas (Spain), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana).

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