Could the month of December kick-off in a more thrilling way than that? This Monday, 20 footballers will be cut out of the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or’s final three-man shortlist.
With three collective trophies this year, goal poacher Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously the hot favourite to defend his title. Four-time prize winner Lionel Messi has no title to show off but his silver medal at the 2014 World Cup as well as his La Liga and Champions League all-time topscorer feats transform him into a potential Ballon d’Or 2014 winner.
There are also German players like Thomas Mueller, Mario Goetze or outstanding goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who stand a chance of making the Top Three.
Take a look again at the 23-man shortlist which will be cut down to three today, Monday, December 1, 2014.
Also on the menu for the short ceremony are nominations for the following prize categories:
• Best Female Player
• Best Women’s Football Coach
• Best Men’s Football Coach
• FIFA FIFPro World XI and Puskas Award
Today’s FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 ceremony will be presented by Sky Sports News’ Kate Abdo. Commentary will be provided by 1998 World Cup champion Christian Karembeu and former Women’s Football player and coach, Hope Powell.
When & Where to watch it live
Kick-off is at 8:00am PST / 11:00am EST / 16:00 GMT / 17:00 CEST.
Get ready! Click here to know where to watch the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2014 - Nominees Announcement in live streaming for free!
*The live stream button on the page will be clickable shortly before the start of the event. Geo-restrictions may apply
