Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez head the shortlist for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Real Madrid forward Ronaldo, who has won the award for the past two years, is joined by teammates Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

And Barcelona's attacking triumvirate of Messi -- who is a four-time winner -- Neymar and Suarez are listed along with fellow Blaugrana stars Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano and Ivan Rakitic. With six, Barca have the most players nominated.

It means the two Spanish giants between them provide almost half the 23-man shortlist.