Antoine Griezmann joins Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo on shortlist for FIFA award

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann will fight Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The re-branded gong has moved back and forth between Messi and Ronaldo over the past few seasons, with the Barcelona star leading the way with five awards.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo has been crowned best in the world on three occasions, and now Griezmann has entered the mix having reached the Champions League final with Atletico and the European Championship final with France.

In both showdowns, Griezmann was on the losing side, but he has proved worthy of a place on the three-man shortlist after scoring 29 goals for his club last season and netting six during France's Euro 2016 campaign.

The winner, who will be chosen by national team captains and coaches, as well as journalists and fans, will be announced at a ceremony in Zurich on January 9.