Kaká might be the defending FIFA World Player but the Brazilian looks like he will almost certainly be handing over his crown his January.

The AC Milan midfielder has been chosen in the final five contenders for the prestigious award but with him are four players who have excelled over the past year.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or recently, is the favourite for the prize and he is included alongside Kaká, Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres and Xavi.

Messi and Xavi have both worked wonders for club side Barcelona this year, whilst for their countries they have both won titles, with Argentina securing Olympic gold, and Spain winning the European Championships.

Fernando Torres is another Spanish representative and like Xavi, not only did he excel domestically, but he also won in Austria and Switzerland with Spain.

Ronaldo won both the Champions League and Premiership last season, whereas Kaká is the only one of the final five not to have picked up silverware.

Also announced were the five women who make the final and in the list are two Brazilians and two Germans. Kelly Smith is the only representative from another country in the list, coming from England, whilst alongside her are Nadine Angerer, Cristiane, Marta and Birgit Prinz.

The winner will be announced in the Zurich Opera House on 12 January 2009.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com