The award is presented to the player who has been voted as the world's best by managers and captains of international teams, as well as a number of journalists.

Premier League champions Manchester City provide three players, with Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli all making the list after impressive displays last season.

They are joined by two players from the other side of the city, with Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie also named.

Van Persie finished as the league's top goalscorer last season, netting a staggering 30 goals at Arsenal, while Rooney was second with 27.

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has also been shortlisted after scoring the winning penalty in the Champions League final before leaving the club.

They will battle it out with a number of the usual suspects, including three-time winner Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and in-form Chelsea target Radamel Falcao.