African trio shortlisted for FIFA World Player 2009 Award - October 30,2009

Three African players plying their trade in Europe have been shortlisted in the 23 man list for the 2009 FIFA footballer of the year award. While Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast and Michael Essien of Ghana made the list, unfortunately the opposite was the case in the women category.  

In December the world governing body FIFA will make known the top five players from the men and women with the most votes. The decision of who will be honored as the 2009 FIFA World footballer year rest in the shoulder of  coaches of  and captain of national team.

The only Africa player to have won the award is George Weah and he is still regarded as one of the best striker to from the continent to play the game. He is a living legend.

Shortlisted names for the 2009 Award.

Xavi (Spain), Barcelona

Andres Iniesta (Spain), Barcelona

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Barcelona

Carles Puyol (Spain), Barcelona

Thierry Henry (France), Barcelona

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Barcelona

Michael Ballack (Germany), Chelsea
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Chelsea
Michael Essien (Ghana), Chelsea

Frank Lampard (England), Chelsea

John Terry (England), Chelsea
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Real Madrid
Kaka (Brazil), Real Madrid

Iker Casillas (Spain), Real Madrid

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Juventus

Diego (Brazil), Juventus

Fernando Torres (Spain), Liverpool

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