Neymar joins Messi and Ronaldo on list

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Neymar and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo have been shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

The prize is the most prestigious individual player award in the game and the three were chosen from a longer list of 23 names which also included Wales and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

Messi was named on the three-man shortlist for the ninth time, while current holder Ronaldo has been named eight times. Neymar is a newcomer to the shortlist, pipping teammate Luis Suarez to the honour.

The winner will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Zurich on January 11.