Last year, Englishman Wayne Rooney finished fifth in voting for the 2011 Ballon d'Or and this year he will look for a higher ranking.
Rooney had a tremendous finish to the 2011-12 season with 14 goal between February and May to lead Man U all the way to the brink of winning the English title. They did not win, but his prowess and clutch performances were a major reason for the team's second place finish. His 27 goals on the season were among the best in the league.
At the 2012 Euro he scored a single goal in just two matches played, but England only made it to the quarter finals.
He then suffered an injury to start the 2012-13 season, but has reasserted himself in the lineup comfortably. He has formed a lethal one-two punch with Robin Van Persie and has Man U competing for the top prize in the English league yet again.
Best Moment of the Year: His torrid pace of 14 goals from February through May was tremendous for the striker.
Chances at the Top Three: Rooney is not going to be among the top three mainly because he did not win any major trophies all year. Top ten in the voting is a possibility, but too many other players on the list had better seasons than the Englishman.
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