Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, was named FIFA Ballon d’Or winner for 2015 at the annual ceremony in Zurich on Monday evening.
The Ballon d’Or is an accolade that recognises and acknowledges excellence in the game of football in the year under review as voted for by a panel of journalists, international coaches and national team captains.
Messi defeated club teammate, Neymar, and closest rival, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch a record fifth award.
The Argentine skipper picked up his first award since 2012 after losing in his last two attempts to Ronaldo.
Receiving the award from another former Ballon d’Or winner, Ricardo Kaka, Messi expressed his joy after watching Ronaldo win the last two editions.
The Barcelona all-time top scorer thanked his teammates, fans and the game of football for everything it has brought him.
“It’s a very special moment for me, winning another Ballon d’Or after being in the audience watching Cristiano win the last two years,” the 28-year-old said.
“I want to thank all who voted for me and my teammates who without none of this would be possible.
“I want to thank football for everything it has brought me – both bad and good, it has helped me grow.
“Thank you.”
The event wasn’t just about Messi. His club manager, Luis Enrique, was named the Coach of the Year.
Enrique pulled 31.08 percent of the total votes to see-off second-placed, Pep Guardiola of Bayern Munich and Chile’s Jorge Sampoaoli.
The Catalan club capped a remarkable season by winning the FIFA Club World Cup in December with the Spanish League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup already in the bag.
United States pair, Jill Ellis and Carli Lloyd, won the Women’s Coach and Player of the Year awards respectively, while the Fair Play Award went to all football organisations supporting refugees.
The FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal in 2015 was picked up by Brazilian, Wendell Lira.
Barcelona and Madrid dominated the FifPro World XI, with players from the Barclays Premier League snubbed once again.
Messi and Neymar were joined by teammates, Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta with Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Marcelo completing the La Liga representatives.
Bayern’s Manuel Neuer, Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus’ Paul Pogba complete the best XI on the continent.
Full list of award winners
Coach of the Year (Male): Luis Enrique – Barcelona
Coach of the Year (Female): Jill Ellis – USA
Puskas Award: Wendell Lira – Brazil
Women’s Footballer of the Year: Carli Lloyd – USA
Footballer of the Year: Lionel Messi – Argentina
Fair Play Award: All football organisations supporting refugees
FIFA FIFPro World XI: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich); Thiago Silva (PSG), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos, (Real Madrid), Dani Alves (Barcelona); Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (Juventus); Neymar (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).
