Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo [ Images ] was given a chance to defend his World Player of the Year title on Monday when he was named on the shortlist for this year's accolade.

Argentina's Lionel Messi [ Images ], Brazil's [ Images ] Kaka [ Images ], the 2007 winner, and Spanish pair Andres Iniesta [ Images ] and Xavi [ Images ] completed the shortlist for the title which will be awarded by soccer's governing body FIFA [ Images ] on December 21.

All five nominees play for Spanish clubs - Ronaldo and Kaka for Real Madrid [ Images ] and Xavi, Messi and Iniesta for Barcelona [ Images ].

Messi has already won the Ballon D'Or awarded by France [ Images ] Football magazine, mainly after helping Barcelona to win the 2008/09 Champions League [ Images ].

The winner will be chosen by national team coaches and captains, who cannot vote for players from their own country.

Last year Argentina coach Diego Maradona [ Images ] labelled the rules as stupid after he was unable to vote for Messi.