Ahad, Januari 11, 2009

Torres challenges Ronaldo for top world award



Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo go head-to-head for the FIFA World Player of the Year award tomorrow.

Torres, who helped Spain to Euro 2008 glory last summer, and Ronaldo, who has already picked up the FIFPro and Ballon d'Or awards this season, are among five candidates along with Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and current holder Kaka.

After scoring 42 goals en route to Champions League and Premier League titles last season, Ronaldo is favourite.

The award will be made at FIFA's world player gala in Zurich, the first time the award has been held in January.

It is the first time five finalists have been chosen as opposed to three.

Each national team manager and player is given a vote for their player of the year from a shortlist released by FIFA.

Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo made up last year's top three.

No player from Spain or Argentina has ever won the award, while French midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian striker Ronaldo both won it three times and Ronaldinho has won twice.