Cristiano Chases Another 2008 Award

Cristiano Ronaldo has the chance to win a third award in recognition of his 42 goals in a season as he attends the 2008 Fifa World Player Gala in Zurich.

The Manchester United winger is on the shortlist for the prize along with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, holder Kaka, Lionel Messi and Xavi.

The women's prize will also be given on Monday, with Brazilian holder Marta and England's Kelly Smith in the frame.

Brazil has provided most winners, with eight, in the men's category to date.

If either Xavi, Torres or Messi win it would be the first time an Argentine or Spaniard has won the trophy, with the ceremony now having moved from December to January.

However, if Ronaldo emerges with the title, he would become only the second Portuguese player to win after Luis Figo in 2001.

The Portugal international took the European Player of the Year award in December and the FifPro World Footballer of the Year in October.

The 23-year-old's 42 goals helped United clinch the Premier League and Champions League double in the 2007-2008 campaign.

Meanwhile, Argentine striker Messi secured his second Olympic gold medal in Beijing, while Barcelona team-mate Xavi joined Liverpool star Torres in earning winners' medals for Spain at Euro 2008.

Arsenal striker Smith - who has scored 30 goals in 74 internationals - will challenge Marta, another Brazilian Cristiane, plus German 2008 Olympic bronze medallists Birgit Prinz and Nadine Angerer.

In 2006 Smith was voted the fifth best player in the world in a Fifa poll.