SPAIN dominate the shortlist for the Balon D'Or but Wesley Sneijder is 5-2 favourite with Ladbrokes to take the prize.
The Dutchman enjoyed a sparkling World Cup before his side settled for second best in the Final and he also played a starring role as Inter Milan won the Champions League.
Sneijder is a worthy favourite but I wonder if he could possibly be pipped by Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta who many consider to be the best player on the planet.
Iniesta, who bagged the World Cup Final winner, is 11-4 ahead of compatriots Xavi (4-1) and David Villa (6-1).
There are no English players in the running but Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is a 33-1 chance as he aims to be the first African player to win the prize.
Other prices: 7-1 Lionel Messi (Argentina), 16-1 Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Thomas Muller (Germany), 25-1 Xabi Alonso (Spain), Mesut Ozil (Germany) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal).
Sniejder is even shorter at 6-5 with Paddy Power and spokesman Darren Haines said: “This year’s Ballon D’Or could be the most interesting in years.
“Recently the award has gone to a World Cup winner in its respective years and a Champions League winner at other times. But Sneijder’s Champions League win and World Cup Final appearance makes a strong case for the pattern to be broken.”
Iniesta is 4-1 with Paddy Power while Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas is the first name from the EPL to appear in the betting, way down at 50-1.