ZURICH (AP) — Barcelona’s two-time winner Lionel Messi has been selected among the 23 candidates for the FIFA world player of the year award.
FIFA released the candidates Tuesday for the Ballon d’Or 2011 award. Spanish players dominate the list, with seven nominations — Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Xavi.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque was among the 10 candidates nominated for world coach of the year. Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson, Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola and Madrid’s Jose Mourinho are also on the list.
The leading three candidates from each list will be announced Dec. 5 in Paris, with the winners announced Jan. 9 in Zurich.
