Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Lionel Messi have been named as the finalists for Fifa's world player of the year award.

Ronaldo was Manchester United's top scorer last season as they won their first Premier League title in four years and has been in excellent form again this campaign, with 11 goals to his credit.

Kaka, the AC Milan forward, is already expected to be awarded the Golden Ball as Europe's best player on Sunday, and could emulate compatriots Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo by winning both titles in the same year.

Messi, the Barcelona striker, is also in contention for the award which will be announced on December 17, after the trio were picked from a list of 30 candidates in a poll of national team coaches and captains. Ronaldo would be the first winner from an English club.

With 10 goals, Kaka was the top scorer last season when Milan won the Champions League., while Messi helped Argentina reach the Copa America final.

History favours Messi since the past six winners have all come from Spanish clubs, although Kaka is still the likely favourite to succeed Italy and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro.

Ryan Giggs, Ronaldo's Manchester United team-mate, is convinced the Portuguese deserves to win the award.

"I think he would be a worthy recipient of the world footballer of the year," Giggs said. "It is not just the quality of his game. His consistency over the last 12 to 18 months has been unbelievable.

"He seems to score in every other game for Portugal as well. People forget that."

Three-time winner Birgit Prinz of Germany and Brazil's Cristiane and Marta were shortlisted for the women's prize.