Figo: Second last year and heavily fancied this time (JamieMcDonald/Allsport)

The Manchester United midfielder, whose last-ditch free-kick against Greece last month ensured England qualified for the 2002 World Cup finals, was one of three players who won the most votes from a 130-strong panel of national coaches.

Real Madrid pair Raul and Luis Figo were the other two players shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Each coach was asked to name their top three players, with five points awarded for a first-place nomination, three points for second place and one point for third.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for players from their own national team.

FIFA, who know the winner, will reveal the result at their World Player Gala on December 17 in Zurich.

Beckham was appointed England captain by former caretaker coach Peter Taylor and has kept the role under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Leading by example, he has scored five times in Eriksson's reign and led by example as the Swede turned England's qualifying fortunes around.

Figo finished second to Zinedine Zidane, then of Juventus but now with Real, in last year's voting.

Striker Raul's goals led Real Madrid to the Primera Liga title and into the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

He scored 24 times in 35 league games and got a 23rd goal for Spain in last night's 1-0 friendly win over Mexico.