Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven members of Spain's World Cup-winning squad have been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or award.
Click here or click the image for the full list of nominees for the Fifa Ballon d'Or award.
Andres Iniesta, who netted the winning goal in the Johannesburg final against Holland in July, is among the contenders along with his Barcelona team-mates Xavi, Carles Puyol and David Villa.
Spain captain Iker Casillas and his Real Madrid colleague Xabi Alonso also make the shortlist along with Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas is one of three Barclays Premier League players on the 23-man list of nominees. The others are Chelsea's Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Sunderland's Ghana frontman Asamoah Gyan.
Barca's Argentina forward Lionel Messi and Brazil right-back Daniel Alves, Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan - who scored five goals at the World Cup and received the Golden Ball award - and Real Madrid pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil make up 11 players nominated from La Liga.
Inter Milan quartet Samuel Eto'o, Julio Cesar, Maicon and Wesley Sneijder are also included after winning an unprecedented Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble last term, with their former boss Jose Mourinho heading the candidates for the inaugural World Coach of the Year award.
Messi is the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA World Player of the Year.
The awards have now been merged, so the best player in the world will now be recognised by a single accolade - the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
The final decisions will be made by the captains and head coaches of the national teams as well as by international media representatives selected by France Football.
The winners will be revealed in Zurich on January 10.
Click here or click the image for the full list of nominees for the Fifa Ballon d'Or award.
World Coach of the Year nominees: Carlo Ancelotti (Chelsea), Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), Pep Guardiola (FC Barcelona), Joachim Low (Germany), Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan/Real Madrid), Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay), Louis Van Gaal (Bayern Munich), Bert van Marwijk (Holland) and Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments