It is good news for Brazilian football, as Neymar becomes the first player based in Brazil to be nominated for the new format of ‘world player of the year’ award and continues to represent the league’s steady ascent.
Disappointingly perhaps, the 23-man shortlist features just two Brazilians, with Dani Alves joining Neymar on the list. Considering Brazil’s continued strength in producing top players, that is a worrying indication of the current situation.
List of Nominees:
Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makachkala)
Cesc Fábregas (Barcelona)
Diego Forlán (Inter)
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Nani (Manchester United)
Neymar (Santos)
Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)
Gerard Piqué (Barcelona)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
Wesley Sneijder (Inter)
Luis Suárez (Liverpool)
David Villa (Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
