FIFA have whittled down the shortlist to three players for the Ballon d'Or award with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta the nominees.
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Barcelona star Messi has won the coveted honour for the last three years running and many believe he will receive it again.
But Real Madrid forward Ronaldo will argue that he has done more in the calendar year, helping his club to wrest the title back from arch-rivals Barca, scoring 46 goals in 38 league games.
Messi scored more goals in the year and needs only three more to surpass Gerd Muller's all-time record of 85 strikes in a calendar year. However, the playmaker could only win the Copa del Rey with his beloved Catalans.
Iniesta, meanwhile, guided Spain to another European crown (Euro 2012) with his inspirational performances. The 28-year-old finished as runner-up to club team-mate Messi in 2010.
Should the Argentina international win the accolade again, he will surpass current UEFA president Michel Platini's record of winning the prize three times in a row.
And former France international Platini says that if the 25-year-old were to win it again, it would not be undeserved.
"Records are there to be beaten. If he wins it again, it's because he deserves it," Platini told Ouest-France.
"He's still only 25 years old and has every opportunity to leave his mark for all eternity."
The winner will be announced on January 7.
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