Arshavin and Zhirkov nominated for the "Golden Ball"

French magazine France Football announced the list of nominees for the "Golden Ball" - 2008 - the prize, awarded the best football player in Europe. Among the nominees for the prestigious award included two players team Russia - Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov. Total in the list of 30 nominees. It is reported the official website edition of France Football.

Award winners will be determined by France Football vote of correspondents from different countries. The winner of the vote will be known on 2 December, when the ceremony will be held the prestigious awards.

The main aspirants for the "Golden Ball" is Portuguese Krishtianu Ronaldo, the Argentine half "Barselony" Lionel Messi, goalkeeper Madrid Real Sociedad of Spain and team Iker Casillas, as well as the holder of the "Golden Ball" - 2007 Brazilian Kaka, speaking for the Italian "Milan".

Most nominees were Spain - Seven people. Three players are the applicant teams in England and the Netherlands.

Among the nominees for the "Golden Ball" does not hit European soccer stars such as Frenchman Thierry Henry, Brazilian Ronaldino and Italian Fabio Cannavaro.

Holders of the "Golden Ball" in different years were three Soviet football player. In 1963, the prize goes to Lev Yashin, in 1975 - Oleg Blokhin, as the best player in Europe in 1986 was found Igor Belanov.