PARIS: Manchester United’s impressive Champions League and Premier League triumph last season has earned four players nominations for the European Footballer of the Year award, organisers announced on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar all made the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, with United’s Champions League final rivals Chelsea earning three nominations in Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba.
The Ballon d’Or shortlist is compiled by France Football magazine and is based on nominations from football writers around the globe.
Spain, who won Euro 2008, is the best represented country with seven players, including Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Torres, who scored Spain’s winner in the final against Germany, told sports daily L’Equipe: “Winning the Ballon d’Or would be like scaling Mount Everest.”
Last year’s winner Brazilian Kaka also made the list, with this year’s winner to be announced on Dec 2.
Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar all made the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, with United’s Champions League final rivals Chelsea earning three nominations in Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba.
The Ballon d’Or shortlist is compiled by France Football magazine and is based on nominations from football writers around the globe.
Spain, who won Euro 2008, is the best represented country with seven players, including Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Torres, who scored Spain’s winner in the final against Germany, told sports daily L’Equipe: “Winning the Ballon d’Or would be like scaling Mount Everest.”
Last year’s winner Brazilian Kaka also made the list, with this year’s winner to be announced on Dec 2.
