The Argentine superstar, who plays for Spanish giants, Barcelona, became the first player to win the title four consecutive times when he was voted player of the year, last year.

Portugese international and Real Madrid sensation, Cristiano Ronaldo was also included in the list. Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid and current world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale of Wales also made the 23-man shortlist.

Another prominent name on the shortlist is Frenchman Franck Ribery, who helped Bayern Munich win a historic treble last season. Ribery is the current best player in Europe.

The only African player on the list is current CAF player of the year, Yaya Toure of Manchester City and Cote d’ivoire.

The winner of the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’or award will be announced on January 13, 2014 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Two retired coaches top the 10-man shortlist for the coach of the year award. They are former Bayern Munich coach, Jupp Heynckes and former Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson. Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger and Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho also made the shortlist.