Barcelona and Real Madrid players dominate the final 23 nominees for the Ballon d'Or. E Mundo Deportivo says Leo Messi, last season's, along with Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Pique, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Dani Alves and Eric Abidal have all been named from Barcelona.

For Real Madrid, they boast five names: Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema.

Messi is the outright favourite to win this year's gong.