Football: Bergkamp on Fifa shortlist

Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp is one of five leading candidates for Fifa's Player of the Year award, to be announced at the World Player Gala at Disneyland Paris on 12 January.

The Brazil and Internazionale forward Ronaldo, who won the award last year while with Barcelona, is also among the front-runners, along with his fellow Brazilian Roberto Carlos, Spain's Raul (both Real Madrid) and the Frenchman Zinedine Zidane (Juventus).

The Dutch striker Bergkamp has been in sensational form for the Gunners this season, having already netted 12 goals, helping him to win the Carling Player of the Month awards for August and September.

The top three finishers will share the stage with the first players to be inducted into Fifa's International Football Hall of Champions - Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini and Pele.