Ronaldo in the Running for World Player of the Year Prize

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been named on the three-man shortlist for Fifa's world player of the year award, alongside the Milan play maker Kaka and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Kaka, who is expected to receive the Ballon d'Or as Europe's best player on Sunday, is the clear favorite to win the prestigious award when the judges unveil the winner at Fifas world player gala in Zurich on December 17.

With 10 goals, Kaka, was the top scorer in the Champions League last season when Milan lifted the trophy. The 20-year-old Messi helped his national side reach the Copa América final, while Ronaldo top scored for Manchester United as they won their first Premier League title in four years.

None of the three, selected from a list of 20 candidates in a poll of national team coaches and captains, has ever won the award or even been shortlisted before. The Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is the current holder of the award after steering his side to World Cup victory.

If Kaka wins he would emulate compatriots Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo by winning both the world and European player of the year awards in the same year. Messi will be comforted to know that the six previous winners of the Fifa award have come from Spanish clubs, while Ronaldo, were he to be crowned in Zurich, would become the first player from the Premier League to achieve such a success.

Brazilian duo Cristiane and current holder Marta have both been shortlisted for the women's award, along with Germany's three-time winner Birgit Prinz.