A farce: Henry not on the FIFA World Player of the Year shortlist. The three finalists are Ronnie, Cannavaro, and Zidane.

How did Henry not make this list?

He played in the CL and WC final, and played strongly the whole year (including playing well post-WC, if not brilliantly), and is at worst one of the top three strikers in the world. Yes, Henry played second fiddle to Zidane at the WC, but who wouldn't have? Zidane blew Ronnie away at the WC, and the latter is apparently the front runner to win the award. Preposterous. Henry should be on this list, because he deserves the award -- or at least deserves it as much as Cannavaro.

The Italian captain is the most deserving of the actual three finalists. Cannavaro's post WC play has been poor, but his pre WC club play was excellent and his World Cup efforts were brilliant. None of the world's best could beat him or the defense he led. A remarkable (and consistent) defensive performance on the grandest stage.

Yes, Zidane was brilliant in the World Cup elimination rounds up until his headbutt (the Brazil performance, of course, being an astonishing, history-making display), but his club play in the first half of the year was geriatric, from what I've read. You can't give the award for Zidane's short burst of genius, I don't think. And I absolutely love Zidane.

Ronnie was terrible at the World Cup, and has been utterly mediocre in his CL matches this season. He absolutely does not deserve the award.

FF