The 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year shortlist has been announced, with 23 of the finest players in football all jostling for the title, currently held by Real Madrid superstar Cristaino Ronaldo.

Along with the Ballon d'Or award, the FIFA World Player of the Year is one of two major individual accolades a player aspires to win in the game today, and the names on show are a testament to its prestige.

Here is the full list of the nominees:

Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (FC Barcelona)

John Terry, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Iker Casillas, Kaka and Cristaino Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Gianluigi Buffon and Diego (Juventus)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan)

Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)

David Villa (Valencia)

Two names in particular stand out, Barcelona's scampering velcro touch superstar Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s £80million man Cristiano Ronaldo following their stunning exploits last season.

Messi, 22, amassed an amazing 38 goals for Barca last term on the way to a unprecedented treble, while his main rival for the prize Ronaldo chipped in with 26 goals as United secured their third consecutive Premier League crown.

The two are set to battle it out again after Ronaldo pipped the Argentine to the accolade last year, although bookmakers are Messi to exact his revenge this time round and claim the prestigious prize.

A plethora of Premier League stars have also been shortlisted for the 2009 award, although surprisingly only one Italian - Gianluigi Buffon - has been included.

Overall the shortlist includes six Spaniards, four Englishmen and three Brazilians, with a small number of players from other countries making up the 23.

ExtraFootie are in no doubt as to who are the outstanding favourites for the prize and with many pundits torn between Messi and Ronaldo, we duly provide this video which we hope will help you decide between the pair. Messi or Ronaldo? You decide!