2008 winner Cristiano Gould is included in the ballot for FIFA World Player of the Year . The Real Madrid forward one of five players on the shortlist , all with either Madrid or Barcelona . Messi is favorite to land the gong after recently winning the Ballon d'Or award for the European Player of the Year . Lionel Messi is favorite to land the gong after recently winning the Ballon d'Or award for European Player of the Year .
2008 winner Cristiano Gould is included in the ballot for FIFA World Player of the Year . The Real Madrid forward one of five players on the shortlist , all with either Madrid or Barcelona . Lionel Messi is favorite to land the gong after recently winning the Ballon d'Or award for European Player of the Year .