Ronaldo heads FIFA player of the year shortlist

ZURICH, Switzerland — Cristiano Ronaldo is a step closer to adding the World Player of the Year award to the European version he picked up last week after making FIFA's five-man shortlist Friday.

The Portugal winger's 42 goals helped Manchester United win the English Premier League and the Champions League last season.

Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to an Olympic gold medal, is also chasing football's most prized individual award, along with Spain's European Championship winners Fernando Torres and Xavi.

Ronaldo finished third in voting last year, while Barcelona's Messi was runner-up to AC Milan playmaker Kaka, who also made the shortlist despite failing to impress with Brazil recently.

The award will be handed out Jan. 12 at the Zurich Opera House after being voted on by head coaches and captains of men's and women's national teams.

Brazilian players Cristiane and Marta, and Nadine Angerer and Birgit Prinz, both of Germany, are on the women's shortlist, along with England striker Kelly Smith.