Messi: Great to lift Ballon d’Or again

“It’s a very special moment to come back and get a Ballon d’Or again after the two years in which Cristiano Ronaldo won”.

Lionel Messi has won his fifth Ballon d’Or ahead of Barcelona teammate Neymar and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi – the Ballon d’Or victor in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 as well – secured 41.33 per cent of the vote this time, with Ronaldo getting 27.76 per cent and Neymar 7.86 per cent.

This one is from a time when we knew Leo was going to win. “Much more than anything I would have dreamt of as a kid”.

The Argentinian superstar netted 52 goals in 61 games along with 26 assists in 2015.

“Barcelona’s dominance was shaped by the brilliance of their incredible offensive trio of Messi, Neymar and Uruguyan Luis Suarez“. I want to thank everyone who voted and my teammates, for without them none of this would ever have been possible.

Rooney was able to vote because he is an global captain, and selected no Premier League players in his top three.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has insisted he never wants to leave Barcelona after claiming his fifth Ballon d’Or title in Zurich.

America’s Jill Ellis won the World Coach of the Year award for women’s football.

Luis Enrique was named best coach after guiding Barcelona to win the Champions League, Spain’s La Liga and cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Dooley picked out Messi as second in the world, while German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer rounded out his selection.

Atletico Goianiense’s Wendell Lira won the goal of the year award for a spectacular overhead kick in Brazil’s Goiano state league game against Goianesia.

The Seleção captain joined the Catalan club from FC Santos in 2013 and he has developed year on year to become one of the world’s finest players.