The FIFA World Player of the Year Gala is fast approaching once again, and, on 19 December, the best female footballers of 2005 will be crowned before the world's press. FIFA experts have been working furiously behind the scenes, of course, and after analysing performances across the globe they have revealed a list of candidates. No fewer than 24 women find themselves up for the top prize, so from these, who will succeed Birgit Prinz on the podium?

The shortlist of 24:

1. Shannon Boxx (USA)
2. Maribel Dominguez (Mexico)
3. Laura Georges (France)
4. Solveig Gulbrandsen (Norway)
5. Sun Hui Ho (North Korea)
6. Laura Kalmari (Finland)
7. Satu Kunnas (Finland)
8. Renate Lingor (Germany)
9. Hanna Ljungberg (Sweden)
10. Hanna Marklund (Sweden)
11. Marta (Brazil)
12. Sandra Minnert (Germany)
13. Portia Modise (South Africa)
14. Malin Mostrom (Sweden)
15. Perpetua Nkwocha (Nigeria)
16. Bente Nordby (Norway)
17. Eun Sun Park (South Korea)
18. Birgit Prinz (Germany)
19. Homare Sawa (Japan)
20. Christine Sinclair (Canada)
21. Kelly Smith (England)
22. Cathrine Sorensen (Denmark)
23. Ane Stangeland (Norway)
24. Christine Welsh (USA)

The winner will be decided by the coaches and captains of the female national teams and towards the end of November, FIFA will unveil a shortlist of three main contenders.

I can't see anyone but Birgit Prinz winning the title, to make it her 3rd in three years at the top. After leading Germany to the Euro 2005 Championship, Prinz cemented her place as the best player of her generation. Solveig Gulbrandsen has also had a good year and excellent summer in the Euro's, she could be a surprise, but I doubt anyone will be able to surpass the achievements of Prinz.

I'd LOVE to see Christine Sinclair take, but I also don't see anyone but Birgit Prinz going away with it.

I agree, i think Birigit Prinz will run away with it once again. She was a class above the rest at the Euros.

I would love to see Marta winning it, but I think Prinz was just amazing this year.

Kelly Smith has been great and consistant from what I've seen, and I see no reason why she won't win. Other than that Maribel Dominguez is supposed to be great, I haven't seen much of her to tell, but I think she'll win, from what I've heard.

i dont watch women football but i remmeber prinz won it 2 years ago
and presented Henry with his 2nd place
so now i think she will win it again

Hana Marklund

Marta just has to get it. Outstanding.

The list is now down to 3 names :

Birgit Prinz (Germany)
Marta (Brasil)
Shannon Boxx (USA)

I would love to see Marta winning it, but Prinz has the advantage of playing with national team this year, while brasilian national team didn´t played at all this year

yeah she stood out at the Euros.

Prinz will win.

so has there been any doubt that Prinz would make it once again?

just wished that the german lads would be just half that good than the german ladys