Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery to fight for Ballon d’Or award

According to English media reports FIFA has shortlisted football players Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery as the final three nominee for the 2013 Ballon d'Or.

The trio competed with 23-man on the list, which also featured Welsh footballer Gareth Bale. The world player of the year will be on January 13th in Zurich, Switzerland.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi has been winning the award for last four years, while Real Madrid's Ronaldo was declared 'FIFA World Player' in 2008.

This year Ronaldo is reportedly being considered favorite to end Messi’s four-year reign, after his stunning hat-trick against Sweden sent Portugal to next year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Messi, with 56 goals last season, helped Catalans win the Spanish title and Ribery helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Among the managers Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, Bayern Munich's Jupp Heynckes and Borussia Dortmund's Juergen Klopp have been shortlisted for the final three coaches of the year.

The winners will be decided by voting among the captains and head coaches of member associations of FIFA, as well as by international media representatives selected by France Football magazine.