A new chapter in football was opened with the news that France Football’s Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award have merged. As a result, the world’s best player will, from now on, be awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or each year. In practical terms, the new FIFA Ballon d’Or award also represents a fusion in terms of voting procedure. Votes will now come from the coaches and captains of international teams – as was previously the case for the FIFA Player of the Year – and also from journalists, who used to nominate France Football's Ballon d’Or winner.
The FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year trophy remains the same and will be awarded, as always, at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala. However, voting for this award will also be different to past years. In similar fashion to the new style of voting for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, the Women’s World Player of the Year will be voted for by both the coaches and captains of international teams and football journalists.
The shortlist of three men and three women nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or were revealed on 6 December 2010. Check their names and profiles below.
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