FIGO SNUB FOR BECKHAM
The Real Madrid superstar grabbed Balon d'Or last year after starring for his club and in Portugal's Euro 2000 run to the semi-finals.
The former Barcelona star is again on the list for the Golden Ball and is one of the favourites along with Beckham, Liverpool's Michael Owen, Roma's Francesco Totti and new Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane.
Figo, however, has blasted the chances of the England captain winning the prize by claiming that he is not the best player at Old Trafford, naming Ryan Giggs as the top man for the champions.
"If I had to choose a player from United, I prefer Ryan Giggs myself," said last year's winner Figo.
The list of 50 published in France Football magazine also includes Giggs, but Figo believes that his club's star striker Raul deserves the award this time around.
"I would place Raul at the top for all the goals he regularly scores in the championship and Europe. He has phenomenal consistency. I sincerely think he deserves it."
Roma boss Fabio Capello has also said that Raul should scoop the award, but had kinder words for Beckham.
"I think Raul deserves the award for what he has done in the last few seasons, showing his great talent on many occasions," said Capello.
"But Beckham has become a complete player and shown himself to be really mature."
The short-list for the award, which is due to be presented on December 18, is packed with stars from The Premiership, and also includes 11 members of the French squad.
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