Cristiano Shortlisted For Fifa World Player Of The Year Award

Manchester United midfielder Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres have been shortlisted for the Fifa World Player of the Year award.

United and Portugal winger Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for his club last season and collected the European Player of the Year award on Sunday.

Torres scored 33 goals in his debut season for Liverpool and the winner for Spain in the final of Euro 2008.

Kaka of AC Milan and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi are also shortlisted.

Ronaldo finished third in voting last year, while Barcelona's Messi, who inspired Argentina to Olympic gold, was runner-up to AC Milan playmaker Kaka.

The nominations were made by the coaches and captains of national teams from around the world. The award will be handed out on 12 January at the Zurich Opera House.