Actor James Nesbitt to co-host Ballon d'Or ceremony with Kate Abdo

Irish actor James Nesbitt has been selected to co-host January's FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony alongside Sky Sports News presenter Kate Abdo.

The 50-year-old, who is a Manchester United supporter, is the surprise choice to take charge of the gala, where either Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo will be named the best footballer in the world.

Abdo, who is fluent in English, German, French and Spanish, will be hosting the ceremony for a second consecutive year.

"When I got asked to do the Ballon d'Or last year I thought it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Abdo told FIFA.com. "Knowing that I'll be a part of it for the second time is a real privilege.

"You know who's going to be in the crowd, you've seen the red carpet, you've seen all these faces that are legends of the game, that you've always admired being a sports reporter - people that you've followed their entire careers. And then you know, all of a sudden, they are going to be sitting in the audience and listening to you."

The event will be held on January 11.