Wayne Rooney makes Ballon d'Or shortlist

Five Premier League players have been shortlisted for this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or award.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is joined by teammate Robin van Persie. Meanwhile, Manchester City trio Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure have also been included.

Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba also makes the list alongside the usual suspects from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo is included along with Real Madrid teammates Karim Benzema, Iker Casillas, Mesut Ozil, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.

Meanwhile, current holder Lionel Messi is joined by fellow Barcelona players Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Xavi.

The winner will be announced at the FIFA Gala on January 7 next year.

Full list:

Sergio Aguero
Mario Balotelli
Karim Benzema
Gianluigi Buffon
Sergio Busquets
Iker Casillas
Didier Drogba
Radaem Falcao
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Andres Iniesta
Lionel Messi
Manuel Neuer
Neymar
Mesut Ozil
Gerard Pique
Andrea Pirlo
Sergio Ramos
Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney
Yaya Toure
Robin van Persie
Xabi Alonso
Xaxi

Written by
Matt Law