The selection, announced Wednesday by soccer's world governing body, was made through voting by coaches and captains of national teams.

Brazil's Marta, runner-up to 2005 winner Birgit Prinz of Germany, is among the women's finalists again this year. Her competition is U.S. captain Kristine Lilly and Renate Lingor of Germany.

Christine Sinclair of Burnaby, B.C., was one of the 20 women initially nominated.

The prize will be awarded in Zurich on Dec. 18.

Cannavaro, captain of Italy's World Cup winning team, won the Golden Ball on Monday as Europe's best player.

Zidane, who has won the FIFA prize three times, received a red card in the World Cup final against Italy when he head-butted defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. Zidane has since retired from soccer.

Ronaldinho, winner of the last two FIFA player of the year awards, has had a stellar year for Barcelona, leading the Spanish side to last season's Champions League title. But Ronaldinho was a disappointment at the World Cup for Brazil, which was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.