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Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the three-man shortlist for FIFA's Best Men's Player award for 2016, alongside Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
The Portuguese is slightly favored to be awarded the prize, even though Lionel Messi shone as Barcelona secured the Liga title in 2015/2016.
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Cristiano was instrumental in helping Real Madrid secure their Undecima title, and led his country to success in France at this year’s European Championships.
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Griezmann is an integral part of city rivals Atletico side, and was a key figure in France’s route to the Euro 2016 final as he was the top scorer at this summer’s competition.
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For the previous six years the Ballon D’or has been awarded in conjunction with FIFA, but this year, it will revert to it’s original format. Instead of national team coaches, captains and international media being involved in the decision making process, only journalists will now be allowed to vote for the Ballon D’or.
FIFA’s award is a bit more open, with fans having been allowed to vote along with captains and coaches this year.
The award ceremony will take place at the FIFA Gala in Zurich on January 9.