Zurich: Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Neymar were yesterday named on the shortlist for FIFA's prestigious Ballon d'Or along with double reigning title holder, Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.


Barcelona's Lionel Messi (left), Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and Barcelona's Neymar. Pic/AFP

While Portuguese Ronaldo has triumphed over the last two seasons (in a total of three wins), Argentinian Messi has previously claimed the coveted award four times while Brazilian Neymar makes the shortlist for FIFA's player of the year award for the first time.