Last year’s winner Messi is a frontrunner once again, thanks to his scintillating displays with the Spanish champions.

Midfield marvels Xavi and Iniesta both played vital roles to help Spain win their first World Cup title in South Africa last summer, with the latter scoring the winning goal against Holland in the final.

Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Vicente Del Bosque will vie for the newly-created FIFA Coach of the Year award.

Winners will be announced in the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich on January 10th 2011.