Santos striker Neymar will contest the award for tht World’s top player for the first time in his career.
In his third year as a professional player, Neymar won the Paulista Championship and the Copa Libertadores with Santos. With the Brazilian team, he won the South American Under-20 Championship, and consolidated his position in the senior national side.
Members of the Football Commission have already begun to vote on the final list of 23 finalists, which will be announced on November 1.
The winner will be announced on January 9, 2012. Lionel Messi, who beat team-mates Xavi and Iniesta to last year’s crown, will try to complete a famous hat-trick of titles.
The last Brazilian to win the title was Kaká in 2007, during his time at AC Milan.
