Argentinian and Barcelona striker, Lionel Messi has won his record-breaking fifth Ballon d’Or after his consecutive victories from 2009-2012.
Messi was declared winner of the prestigious football award ahead of Barcelona of Spain teammate, Neymar and Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo in a ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland.
Messi won the award back to back from 2009 edition to 2012 and now 2015 edition.
The best in the world: Carli Lloyd and Messi
“It is a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage, winning again another Ballon d’Or after being there in the audience watching Cristiano win. It’s incredible this is my fifth,” he said at the podium after collecting the award.
“ It’s much more than anything I’ve dreamed of as a kid. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I want to thank my team-mates. And lastly, I want to thank football in general for everything it has brought me. Both the bad and the good. Because it has made me learn and grow.”
American lady,Carli Lloyd won the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award.
She became the third player from the USA to scoop the award, after Mia Hamm (2001-02) and Abby Wambach (2012).
The awards, nominees and winners;
FIFA Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar
Winner :Lionel Messi
FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year: Carli Lloyd, Aya Miyama, Celia Sasic
Winner: Carli Lloyd
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Men’s): Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Jorge Sampaoli
Winner: Luis Enrique(Barcelona)
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Women’s): Jill Ellis, Mark Sampson, Norio Sasaki
Winner: Jill Ellis
FIFA Puskás Award: Alessandro Florenzi, Wendell Lira, Lionel Messi
Winner: Wendell Lira, Brazil ( for his bicycle kick goal)
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