Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Virgil Van Dijk finalists for FIFA player award

Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk has joined five-time winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the three finalists for the FIFA best player award. United States forward Megan Rapinoe is the favourite for the women’s award.

The announcement of the final three in each category – including best coach and best goalkeeper – was made Monday at San Siro. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Milan’s iconic Scala theatre on Sept. 23.

Luka Modric, who won the award last year after leading Croatia to the World Cup final, did not make the 10-man shortlist. Van Dijk joined Ronaldo and Messi after helping Liverpool win the Champions League title in June.