FIFA announced the nominees on Wednesday after adding up the tally of votes from coaches and captains of national teams around the world who chose from the initial list of 30 players.

The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland on December 18th.

Cannavaro, who captained Italy to this year's World Cup title, has just won the prestigious Ballon D'Or for European Footballer of the Year, awarded by France Football magazine.

Both Ronaldinho and Zidane could make football history if either of them ends up winning the honor.

Ronaldinho, who guided Barcelona to the Primera Liga and UEFA Champions League titles last season, will be the first player to win the award for three consecutive years if he snatches the 2006 award.

But a win for Zidane will be a record-fourth for the French wizard who previously won in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

Kristine Lilly of the United States, Renate Lingor of Germany and Marta of Brazil were also nominated for the award in the women's category.