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Five Chelsea players today appeared on the 23-man shortlist for the World Player of the Year award following the club's resurgence in 2009. John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are all in contention for the prize as voting commences ahead of the ceremony in Zurich on 21 December.
Chelsea are the most well represented English club following their success under Guus Hiddink, who won the FA Cup after he replaced the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari in February, and Carlo Ancelotti.
The nominated quintet have been ever present as Chelsea have climbed to the top of the Premier League this term. Drogba has been in great form on his return from a knee injury, scoring 20 goals in his last 31 games.
The five Blues have also made a big impact on the international stage with Terry and Lampard (both England), Ballack (Germany), Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Essien (Ghana) helping their teams qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Ancelotti said: "I am happy because this means that I have very good players and I hope that one can win."
Manchester United have only Wayne Rooney in the running, while Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have also made the cut. But there is no room for anyone from Arsenal.
European champions Barcelona have six nominations including Lionel Messi, who is the favourite for the award.
England's Kelly Smith is on a 10-strong shortlist for the women's prize.
Nominations: Barcelona - Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Xavi; Chelsea - Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, John Terry; Real Madrid - Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka; Liverpool - Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres; Sevilla - Luis Fabiano; Juventus - Gianluigi Buffon, Diego; Inter Milan - Samuel Eto'o; Bayern Munich - Franck Ribery; Man United - Wayne Rooney; Valencia - David Villa.
