Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will go head-to-head to be crowned the world's best player.
The star pair are both have been nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award alongside Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi, and last year's winner Kaká.
Ronaldo has already won the FIFPro accolade and the Ballon d’Or this year and will be hoping to complete a clean sweep of individual honours.
The Portugal international is the hot favourite to scoop the prize but faces strong competition from his rival quartet.
Torres enjoyed a sensational debut season with the Reds and was also a key figure - alongside Xavi - in Spain's success at Euro 2008.
Kaká, who has failed to impress with Brazil recently while winning no silverware with AC Milan, is regarded as the rank outsider while Messi's individual brilliance is tempered by a lack of trophies in the last 18 months.
The shortlist has been complied after coaches and captains of national teams from around the world were asked to vote for their top choice.
This is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named on the shortlist.
The announcement of who has taken the top three places will take place at a glitzy gala at the Zürich Opera House on 12th January.
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The star pair are both have been nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award alongside Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi, and last year's winner Kaká.
Ronaldo has already won the FIFPro accolade and the Ballon d’Or this year and will be hoping to complete a clean sweep of individual honours.
The Portugal international is the hot favourite to scoop the prize but faces strong competition from his rival quartet.
Torres enjoyed a sensational debut season with the Reds and was also a key figure - alongside Xavi - in Spain's success at Euro 2008.
Kaká, who has failed to impress with Brazil recently while winning no silverware with AC Milan, is regarded as the rank outsider while Messi's individual brilliance is tempered by a lack of trophies in the last 18 months.
The shortlist has been complied after coaches and captains of national teams from around the world were asked to vote for their top choice.
This is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named on the shortlist.
The announcement of who has taken the top three places will take place at a glitzy gala at the Zürich Opera House on 12th January.
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