The 28-year-old Argentine had 41.33% of the vote, with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76%) second and Barca’s Neymar (7.86%) third.
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Argentina global Messi, who scored 48 goals for his club in 2015, said after being presented the award by 2007 Ballon d’Or victor Kaka: “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”. Although he became the first ever player to win the award five times, Messi had said earlier that he would swap all those individual accolades for a World Cup success. I want to thank all who voted for me and my teammates who without none of this would be possible.
The Barcelona player had previously won four consecutive world’s best player awards from 2009 to 2012. Barcelona also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The victory came with little surprise as many football aficionados knew that Barcelona’s No. 10 was a shoo-in for the trophy.
Enrique edged out Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.
America’s Jill Ellis won the World Coach of the Year award for women’s football.
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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. Lloyd scored six goals in the World Cup which was won by the U.S.
