Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer on 2014 Ballon d'Or shortlist

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer have been named as the three contenders for the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Defending champion Ronaldo, who was part of Real Madrid's winning team in the Champions League last season, has scored 50 goals in 46 games so far this year.

The Portuguese has won the accolade twice in total, with his first triumph coming back in 2008 while playing for Manchester United.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi has scored 44 goals in 48 games since the turn of the year and he also guided his country to the World Cup final before they lost to Germany.

The 27-year-old has lifted Ballon d'Or trophy a record-breaking four times since his first victory back in 2009.

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Neuer completes the shortlist following a successful year both at club and international level.

The shot-stopper, 28, clinched the domestic double with Bayern last season before helping Germany win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.