2009 Fifa World Player of the Year?

Who will be honoured with the title of FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009?



A shortlist of 23 was recently released by Fifa:
Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire), Michael Essien (Ghana), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Steven Gerrard (England), Thierry Henry (France), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Kaká (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Carles Puyol (Spain), Franck Ribéry (France), Wayne Rooney (England), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain)

For me the main contenders though are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. Of those four who deserves to win it? Here's how I would break it down...

Cristiano Ronaldo: The 2008 winner has had another great year scoring 16 goals in 31 appearances for Man Utd before scoring 9 goals in his 11 apperances for Real Madrid. He's instant impact at Real Madrid speaks volumes despite the huge pressures of being the world's most expensive player. Injuries have caused him to be out for the last month or two, of the year so that may cause him to finish as 2nd best this year, while not scoring in Portugal's entire world cup qualifying rounds may not help his chances.

Lionel Messi : The diminitive Barcelona hitman, has had a sensational year. Scoring in the champions League final and helping Barcelona win the treble, he stands out to me as the favourite. He has scored 35 goals in 57 appearances for club and country this claender year while he is still only 22 years old. Skillful, Prolific and consistent throghout, its hard to see anyone beating him to the award!

Didier Drogba: The powerful Ivorian has had a phenomenal year, considering he was rumoured to looking to leave Chelsea and was second choice at the end of 2008. He however helped the Ivory Coast reach the 2010 World Cup, while scoring 27 goals in 47 appearances for club and country while not only ending 2009 as Chelsea's best player but also as one of the best in the world!

Fernando Torres: The charismatic striker, has been lethal in front of goal in an otherwise underperforming Liverpool team. He managed to score 27 goals in 48 apperances during the calender year and looks set to star at the 2010 soccer World Cup.

My Top 3 Prediction:
1. Lionel Messi
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Didier Drogba

There's a poll running regarding this very topic, so do vote if you get the chance!