World soccer's governing body FIFA has named the contenders for the 2008 World Player and FIFA Women's World Player awards. The award will be presented January 12. There are no U.S. players on either list.

The male nominees are Kaka (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Fernando Torres (Spain) and Xavi (Spain). The women nominees are Nadine Angerer (Germany), Cristiane (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany) and Kelly Smith (England).

This year sees an increased field of contenders, up to five from three in previous years. The final list of nominees was drawn up after a poll of coaches and captains of men's and women's national teams from around the world, based on a list of candidates drawn up by FIFA. AC Milan striker Kaka won the award last year. Ronaldo recently picked up the Ballon d'Or for the 2008 Player of the Year, the France Football award that is selected by journalists worldwide.

 

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