The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has announced the top 3 contenders for football's individual top prize, the FIFA Ballon d'Or Award.
The shortlist, which has been cut from the initial 23 man list, includes Real Madrid/Portugal forward, Cristiano Ronaldo and two Barcelona players namely, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
The winner is set to be revealed at a ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016
Messi has been touted as the favourite to win the award after leading Barcelona to a treble last season, while arch-rival Ronaldo is looking to defend his crown and draw level with the Argentine for overall wins.
Neymar, who netted 10 goals en route Barcelona's Champions League triumph, has netted 14 goals already this season, and was joint-third top scorer in La Liga last season with 22 goals.
The world soccer governing body, FIFA also announced the shortlist for the women's category.
USA's Carli Lloyd, Japan's Aya Miyama and Germany's Celia Sasic all make up the star studded list.