Ronaldo favourite to hold Spain's Euro heroes at bay for Ballon d'Or

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 23:20

THE Ballon d'Or is awarded tonight with the world's greatest footballers jostling for recognition. The honour, formerly known as the European Footballer of the Year award, is voted for by 96 journalists from all over the world in a poll organised by France Football magazine.

The contenders this year are:

ANDREI ARSHAVIN (Zenit St Petersburg/Russia)

The Russia playmaker was one of the stars of Euro 2008, playing a key role as Guus Hiddink's side reached the semi-finals. Arshavin's performance in their 3-1 quarter-final win over Holland was one of the highlights of the tournament. The 27-year-old also starred for club side Zenit St Petersburg in their run to Uefa Cup glory.

IKER CASILLAS (Real Madrid/Spain)

It has been a good year for Spain's No 1, who won his second successive La Liga title with Real Madrid in May before getting his hands on the Euro 2008 trophy in June. The 27-year-old was named in Uefa's team of the tournament and in the FIFPro World XI. He has made the goalkeeping shirt at Real Madrid and with Spain his own and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (Manchester United/Portugal)

The overwhelming favourite to land the award after a glittering year. The Portugal winger claimed the Barclays Premier League title and the Champions League trophy with Manchester United, scoring more than 40 goals in the process. His performances attracted the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid, but following a protracted transfer saga, the player opted to remain at Old Trafford. After returning from an injury which kept him out for the start on the 2008/09 season, Ronaldo is starting to hit top form again. The only black mark on Ronaldo's 12 months came in the summer when he sparkled only sporadically at Euro 2008 as Portugal went out in the quarter-finals.

SAMUEL ETO'O (Barcelona/Cameroon)

Eto'o was top scorer at the African Cup of Nations in February with his five goals helping Cameroon reach the final in Ghana – and that return also saw him become the competition's all-time leading scorer. However, he could not guide his side to victory as they were beaten 1-0 in the final by Egypt. His goals also helped Barcelona reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. Despite his 16 league strikes, Barca could finish only third in La Liga.

CESC FABREGAS (Arsenal/Spain)

It has been another impressive year for the young Spaniard, who has grown in stature for both club and country. Fabregas played a starring role in the Euro 2008 semi-finals and final after replacing the injured David Villa in the side. The 21-year-old was one of the key figures in Arsenal's push for the title in which they came up just short and he scored a fantastic goal in the last 16 of the Champions League as Arsenal beat Italian giants AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro. This season he has matured further and he has just been made Arsenal captain.

FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool/Spain)

Torres set the Premier League alight in his first season with Liverpool. He ended 2007/08 with 24 league goals – more than any other foreigner in their first year in England's top flight. Torres also scored six times in his debut Champions League season for Liverpool, scoring both in the quarter-final win against Arsenal and the semi-final loss to Chelsea. He was also one of the leading lights in Spain's triumph at Euro 2008.

XAVI (Barcelona/Spain)

Picked up the player of the tournament award after orchestrating Spain's triumph at Euro 2008. Widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in world football, Xavi is a consistent performer for his country and club side Barcelona. Although the Catalan giants did not have the best year, 28-year-old Xavi managed to emerge with credit. Has been at the heart of Barca's impressive start to the 2008/09 campaign under new coach Pep Guardiola.

LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona/Argentina)

Barcelona's brilliant winger Messi is also a serious contender to claim the award following another sparkling season at the Nou Camp. The little Argentine was one of the few Barcelona players to emerge with credit from what was a disappointing season for the Catalan giants.