FIFA BALLON D’OR

Last night saw the annual FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala hosted in the luxurious Swiss city of Zurich. All eyes were on who would this year lift the FIFA Ballon d’Or; FIFA Coach of the Year; FIFA Puskas Award; FIFA Presidential Award; FIFA Fair Play Award and the Women’s Player of the Year and Coach of the Year as well as who would be named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI.

FIFA Ballon d’Or – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

It was hardly a surprise that Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi received the award for the third year in a row. He beat out teammate Xavi and archrival Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).

FIFA Coach of the Year – Pep Guardiola (Barcelona)

Pep lead his star studded Barcelona side to another La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup success so and received the honor ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) and arch-rival Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid)

FIFA Puskas Award – Neymar (Santos)

“Goal of the Year” has awarded to £40 million Brazilian wonder kid Neymar for his brilliant solo effort against Flamengo last July. Wayne Rooney’s (Manchester United) stunning bicycle kick against Manchester City last February and Lionel Messi’s (Barcelona) flick against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League were the other contenders.

FIFA Presedential Award – Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Sir Alex was once again honored for his contribution to football as he celebrated his 70th Birthday, 25 years at the helm of Manchester United and a 12th Premier League title under his reign and a 3rd Champions League final in just four years.

FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year – Norio Sasaki (Japan)

Norio Sasaki received the award after leading Japan to victory in last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Germany. Pia Sundhage (USA) and Bruno Bini (France) were the other nominees.

Japan’s head coach Norio Sasaki (left) and and captain Homare Sawa (right).

FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year – Homare Sawa (Japan)

Japan’s captain Homare Sawa claimed her FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year prize ahead of Marta (Brazil) and Abby Wambach (USA).

FIFA Fair Play Award – Japan

This award is giving to a federation who has achieved success in troubled times and Japan couldn’t be anymore deserving.

A devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the country in March last year yet Japan found success in an AFC Asian Cup; hosting the FIFA Club World Cup and winning the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany all while celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Japan Football Association.

FIFA/FIFPro World XI

50,000 professional footballers vote for their best players and the result proved have a distinct Spanish feeling with 6 Spanish internationals while Wayne Rooney and teammate Nemanja Vidic the only players to play outside of La Liga.

GK: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

DF: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

MF: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

FW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)