FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards Gala - The Winners
The star-studded FIFA Ballon d'Or awards hit Zurich once more in a celebration of the world's finest football players. As expected, Lionel Messi stole the show, taking home his third Ballon d'Or Award in as many years. Teenage sensation Neymar pipped Messi and Wayne Rooney to the FIFA Puskas Award, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola landed the FIFA Coach of the Year Award.
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Winners on the night. Both Lionel Messi and Neymar picked up individual awards in Zurich.
Lionel Messi joined the ranks of Europe's elite after becoming only the fourth player to win a hat-trick of Ballon d'Or honours, joining the illustrious trio of Michel Platini and Dutch duo Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten. Messi unsurprisingly extended his reign as the world's best player, beating Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Xavi to the award.
The record-breaker landed the prestigious treble after another spectacular year. Lionel Messi propelled Barcelona to another five titles in 2011, including the La Liga title, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. Not forgetting to mention the incredible 55 goals in 57 games that Leo netted in a Barca shirt. At just 24 years old Messi is already judged as one of football's all-time greats.
In an attempt to show that the night wasn't all about Barcelona and Real Madrid players, Old Trafford representatives Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic found themselves in the FIFPro World XI line-up. The final eleven, chosen by the FifPro group of players' unions, comprised entirely of Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester United players.
Finally the FIFA Puskas Award was awarded to a man (boy) who will be attending many more FIFA Ballon d'Or Award ceremonies in the future. Brazilian teenager Neymar was presented with the award for his stunning solo goal in Santos's 5-4 defeat to Flamengo in July, beating both Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney in the votes.
The curtains have closed on another year of football as we look ahead to what 2012 may have in store. At just 24 years old, how many FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards can Messi win? Can any player currently rival Lionel Messi to the title of world's best player? Join the conversation online.
