Owen and Diouf nominated for Balon d'Or

Owen's Anfield strike partner El Hadji Diouf is also in the running. Sami Hyypia, and Steven Gerrard, both nominated last year, miss out on a place among the nominations.

A victory for Owen would mean he would emulate Anfield hero Kevin Keegan in winning the title twice. The full list of nominees is announced on Tuesday.