Messi beats Ronaldo, Neymar to win fifth Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi has reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d’Or from Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Argentinian being presented with the 2015 award in Zurich.

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has been awarded the “2015 Ballon d’Or” at Monday’s gala in Zurich.

“It’s incredible that it’s my fifth”.

The FC Barcelona No. 10 was an influential figure in all the five titles claimed in 2015: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi becomes the first ever player to win the award five times, although he is yet to win a World Cup.

His Barcelona boss Luis Enrique won the coach of the year award while Jill Ellis took the women’s trophy.

Whilst Messi and Ronaldo are traditionally old enemies, the pair actually spoke pretty kindly about one another for what seemed like ages. I want to thank all who voted for me and my teammates without whom none of this would be possible.

United States World Cup victor Carli Lloyd (L), who scored a hat-trick in the final against Japan, was named women’s player of the year.

“When arrived at Real Madrid I never dreamed of breaking Di Stefano’s records, or Raul’s – all those legends you know?”

Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have won the Ballon D’Or for the past eight years, with Ronaldo winning the award for 2008, Messi winning from 2009 – 2012, and Ronaldo winning again in 2013 and 2014.

Bartomeu indicated that Messi was a player who had helped Barcelona publicize their name all over the world, explaining he had made the club, “universal”. His coach Luis Enrique picked up the Coach of The Year award.

Barcelona superstar Messi won the title for the fifth time, beating Ronaldo and teammate Neymar in the voting.

Finally, Atletico Goianiense’s Wendell Lira won the Goal of the Year award for this effort.

England coach Mark Sampson finished third with 10.68% of the vote after their third-place finish in Canada.

Who did he think was more deserving of the award?

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was among those to vote in the Ballon d’Or.