FIFA have announced their young player of the year shortlist and the nominations are:

Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Leo Messi (Barcelona)
Lukas Podolski (FC Cologne)

The five players have well deserved to be in the shortlist for the best young player in the world.

Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

Since Fabregas moved to Arsenal when he was 17, he has forced his way into the Arsenal team and become a regular and a suitable replacement in the heart of the Arsenal midfield since Patrick Viera left. Not only has Cesc made himself a regular in the Arsenal first team but he also has made himself the 3rd man to take the skippers armband.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo, the infamous winker. Since moving to Man U he has left defenders in bits as he ducks, twists and rolls his way through defences, skipping past people like they are not even there and even leaving defenders like Sol Campbell, Ledly King and John Terry standing there in shock as he leaves them for dead.

Wayne Rooney

The new 'Pele' since scoring his first ever goal against Arsenal in an Everton shirt 'Wazza' has not stopped creating goals and scoring them, as Luis Saha and Ruud Van Nistlerooy battled to get a place with one another, Wayne kept his place and has been living up to the millions Sir Alex paid for him.

Leo Messi

At only 19 years old Messi is making himself a regular in the same team as such names as Deco, Eto'o, Xavi but none as big as Ronaldhino Already at 19 Leo has Medals for winning every cup in Spain and back to back La Liga titles and a Champions league medal. Making himself a talent who has a 45 million price tag on his head already and sports personalities around the worlds saying he will be unmarkable at times for even the best defenders.

Lukas Podolski

This player has earned his nomination from playing to his strengths like his lightening pace, vision and eye for goal. Lukas has scored in every cup and league he has played in. A lot of people think and it has been reported that this lad will be playing in the English Premiership next season and he will be giving all defenders headaches like no other.