Brazil have three competitors in the running for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or; national team captain Neymar, Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho and Chelsea midfielder Willian.
The last time a Brazilian footballer won the award was in 2007 when Kaká was elected as the best player in the world. Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero of Brasileirão club Flamengo is the only one in the list of 59 players that operates in Brazil. Brazilian born forward Diego Costa of Chelsea has also made the shortlist. Current holder of the trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo, is a big favorite to win the award again, while Barcelona star Lionel Messi seeks his 5th trophy.
Considering the representation by South American countries, Brazil are surpassed by Argentina, Chile and Colombia. Six Argentines have made the list, namely, Agüero, Otamendi, Mascherano, Messi, Pastore and Tévez. Bravo, Medel, Alexis Sánchez, Vargas, and Vidal are the Chileans in the list. Colombia are represented by Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martínez, Ospina and James Rodríguez, while the three Uruguayans who appear are Luis Suárez, Édinson Cavani and River Plate’s Sánchez.