Lionel Messi - Barcelona (Balon d'or)
COMMENT
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Editor
From the sublime to the ridiculous: Lionel Messi did it all in 2011. The brilliant Barcelona forward really did leave the Fifa Ballon d'Or voters with no choice but to award him with his third successive golden gong on Monday. And make no mistake: this was the best one yet.
The fleet-footed Argentine has been the best player in the world for some time now. So much so that he is not only compared to his contemporaries, such as Ballon d'Or rivals Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but also to the all-time greats. And many top pundits have already deemed him the best player in history, playing for the finest football team the world has ever seen.
Such claims are of course difficult to justify: nobody has seen all of the world's best players in their pomp, while comparing different generations is a tricky task given the inevitable changes in the game over the last century.
In terms of the Ballon d'Or, Messi already looks to be blowing away his rivals. This win takes the Argentine to three straight successes, bringing him level with three-time winners Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten. Leo, though, is only 24 and according to Cruyff, will go on to claim six or seven Golden Balls before the end of his career. He may well do, but such comparisons are complicated because the Ballon d'Or was previously only open to European footballers, and that ruled out arguably the two best-ever players: Diego Maradona and Pele.
Debates will run and run, with some suggesting Messi will never be considered truly great until he can inspire Argentina to a World Cup win, even though that seems wholly unfair, while others will claim he can only produce such form because he has been blessed with team-mates such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and now Cesc Fabregas.
Five more of those have been accumulated in 2011, with Barca claiming La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercopa, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup. And the Argentine, naturally, has been instrumental. "Without Leo," coach Pep Guardiola admits, "none of this would be possible."
Guardiola has converted Messi into a false nine in the centre of Barca's three-pronged attack, from where he can do even more damage than before. And the goals came thick and fast in 2011. All in all, there were six hat-tricks and 59 goals for club and country, including an incredible 55 in 57 games for Barcelona. But there were also assists aplenty, and many more memorable moments, too.
The Argentine's wonderful goal against Arsenal at Camp Nou inspired a second-leg comeback in the last 16 of the Champions League after the Catalans had lost 2-1 in London, and his stunning solo effort later in the competition ensured passage to the final as he hit both in a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. And there was another superb strike in the final as Barca played Manchester United off the park in a 3-1 victory at Wembley. Never scored against a Jose Mourinho side? Never scored in England? The year 2011 was one for burying such statistics. In some style.
By the end of 2011, Messi had emulated team-mate Pedro's feat from 2009 as he scored in all six competitions in a calendar year. There were disappointments, too, as the 24-year-old was left impotent again with Argentina, unable to inspire his national team to success in the Copa America in his homeland. And there were tears as Barca lost out to Real in the final of the Copa del Rey in April.
The positives, however, far outweight the negatives for a majestic Messi in 2011, as he left his opponents in his wake and put his pretenders to the sword; he was key once more as Barca defeated Madrid - and Cristiano Ronaldo - 3-1 in the league in December and sensational against Santos as Neymar was subdued in the a 4-0 Club World Cup final defeat a week later. Earlier, in August, he had netted three and assisted two of the five goals scored by Barca in the 5-4 Spanish Supercopa success over Madrid; he then scored one and set up the other as the Catalans claimed the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 win versus Porto. And it doesn't get much better than that.
Indeed, his peerless performances will live long in the memory of both Barca enthusiasts and football fans across the world. Whether he is the best in history is another debate for another day, but in 2011, Leo Messi was the best in the business, the brightest beacon in a brilliant Barcelona side. A shining star which could not be eclipsed, only admired. So sublime, it was ridiculous.
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Editor
From the sublime to the ridiculous: Lionel Messi did it all in 2011. The brilliant Barcelona forward really did leave the Fifa Ballon d'Or voters with no choice but to award him with his third successive golden gong on Monday. And make no mistake: this was the best one yet.
The fleet-footed Argentine has been the best player in the world for some time now. So much so that he is not only compared to his contemporaries, such as Ballon d'Or rivals Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but also to the all-time greats. And many top pundits have already deemed him the best player in history, playing for the finest football team the world has ever seen.
Such claims are of course difficult to justify: nobody has seen all of the world's best players in their pomp, while comparing different generations is a tricky task given the inevitable changes in the game over the last century.
In terms of the Ballon d'Or, Messi already looks to be blowing away his rivals. This win takes the Argentine to three straight successes, bringing him level with three-time winners Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten. Leo, though, is only 24 and according to Cruyff, will go on to claim six or seven Golden Balls before the end of his career. He may well do, but such comparisons are complicated because the Ballon d'Or was previously only open to European footballers, and that ruled out arguably the two best-ever players: Diego Maradona and Pele.
Debates will run and run, with some suggesting Messi will never be considered truly great until he can inspire Argentina to a World Cup win, even though that seems wholly unfair, while others will claim he can only produce such form because he has been blessed with team-mates such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and now Cesc Fabregas.
Another year, another Ballon d'Or | Messi with the 2010 trophy
But does any of that matter, anyway? Leo is a simple soul, a humble human being focused on winning games for club and country. And he understands that with collective success comes individual recognition, not the other way around. "Winning individual prizes is nice," he has said. "But what matters to me is winning trophies."Five more of those have been accumulated in 2011, with Barca claiming La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Supercopa, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup. And the Argentine, naturally, has been instrumental. "Without Leo," coach Pep Guardiola admits, "none of this would be possible."
Guardiola has converted Messi into a false nine in the centre of Barca's three-pronged attack, from where he can do even more damage than before. And the goals came thick and fast in 2011. All in all, there were six hat-tricks and 59 goals for club and country, including an incredible 55 in 57 games for Barcelona. But there were also assists aplenty, and many more memorable moments, too.
The Argentine's wonderful goal against Arsenal at Camp Nou inspired a second-leg comeback in the last 16 of the Champions League after the Catalans had lost 2-1 in London, and his stunning solo effort later in the competition ensured passage to the final as he hit both in a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. And there was another superb strike in the final as Barca played Manchester United off the park in a 3-1 victory at Wembley. Never scored against a Jose Mourinho side? Never scored in England? The year 2011 was one for burying such statistics. In some style.
 | LIONEL MESSI FOR CLUB & COUNTRY IN 2011 |
 MORE ONLIONEL MESSI |
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By the end of 2011, Messi had emulated team-mate Pedro's feat from 2009 as he scored in all six competitions in a calendar year. There were disappointments, too, as the 24-year-old was left impotent again with Argentina, unable to inspire his national team to success in the Copa America in his homeland. And there were tears as Barca lost out to Real in the final of the Copa del Rey in April.
The positives, however, far outweight the negatives for a majestic Messi in 2011, as he left his opponents in his wake and put his pretenders to the sword; he was key once more as Barca defeated Madrid - and Cristiano Ronaldo - 3-1 in the league in December and sensational against Santos as Neymar was subdued in the a 4-0 Club World Cup final defeat a week later. Earlier, in August, he had netted three and assisted two of the five goals scored by Barca in the 5-4 Spanish Supercopa success over Madrid; he then scored one and set up the other as the Catalans claimed the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 win versus Porto. And it doesn't get much better than that.
Indeed, his peerless performances will live long in the memory of both Barca enthusiasts and football fans across the world. Whether he is the best in history is another debate for another day, but in 2011, Leo Messi was the best in the business, the brightest beacon in a brilliant Barcelona side. A shining star which could not be eclipsed, only admired. So sublime, it was ridiculous.
Messi: I’m very proud
(FIFA.com) Monday 9 January 2012
© Getty Images
Lionel Messi was the undoubted star of Monday evening’s FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 Gala, the ever-humble Argentinian winning the award yet again. Wreathed in smiles as he clutched on to the coveted accolade, he gave his first impressions to FIFA.com.
FIFA.com: You’re the first player since Michel Platini to win the Ballon d’Or three times in a row. How do you feel?
Lionel Messi: I’m very proud to have won it three times, especially one after the other. It’s hard to win one, let alone three. I’m very happy and this award gives me as much pleasure as the first.
You dedicated the award to Xavi in particular. Do you think he might stop passing the ball to you so that he can win the Ballon d’Or himself?
No! He’s said lots of times what he thinks of me and I’ve said the same about him. We need each other and the friendship we have goes beyond any award.
You’re still very young. Have we seen the best of Messi or is there still more to come?
I hope I can keep on performing like this and win more team titles, which is what you need to make it to wonderful occasions like this. I want to achieve things with my national team and keep playing the way I am.
Do you think you still have something to prove with Argentina?
Yes. I’d love to win a title with the national team and I hope that’ll happen one day.
In which ways do you think you can still improve?
Like I said I just want to keep on performing. This is the fifth time I’ve had the good fortune to be at the Gala and I hope to come back many more times.
Did you ever think you’d ever achieve so much in such little time?To be honest I didn’t. I dreamed about playing in the first division, but I never imagined that all these things would happen to me.
How does it feel to be the centre of attention on a night like this, with so many great players alongside you, many of whom you no doubt admired as a youngster?
(Blushes) I just want to keep on playing and enjoy this sport and the team we’ve got, and I hope we can keep our run going.
What’s your next objective for 2012?
The same as the start of every year: to try and do it all over again. We know it’s getting more and more difficult though.
FIFA.com: You’re the first player since Michel Platini to win the Ballon d’Or three times in a row. How do you feel?
Lionel Messi: I’m very proud to have won it three times, especially one after the other. It’s hard to win one, let alone three. I’m very happy and this award gives me as much pleasure as the first.
You dedicated the award to Xavi in particular. Do you think he might stop passing the ball to you so that he can win the Ballon d’Or himself?
No! He’s said lots of times what he thinks of me and I’ve said the same about him. We need each other and the friendship we have goes beyond any award.
You’re still very young. Have we seen the best of Messi or is there still more to come?
I hope I can keep on performing like this and win more team titles, which is what you need to make it to wonderful occasions like this. I want to achieve things with my national team and keep playing the way I am.
Do you think you still have something to prove with Argentina?
Yes. I’d love to win a title with the national team and I hope that’ll happen one day.
In which ways do you think you can still improve?
Like I said I just want to keep on performing. This is the fifth time I’ve had the good fortune to be at the Gala and I hope to come back many more times.
Did you ever think you’d ever achieve so much in such little time?To be honest I didn’t. I dreamed about playing in the first division, but I never imagined that all these things would happen to me.
How does it feel to be the centre of attention on a night like this, with so many great players alongside you, many of whom you no doubt admired as a youngster?
(Blushes) I just want to keep on playing and enjoy this sport and the team we’ve got, and I hope we can keep our run going.
What’s your next objective for 2012?
The same as the start of every year: to try and do it all over again. We know it’s getting more and more difficult though.
© Getty Images
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was named Men's Coach of the Year and Japan women's national team boss Norio Sasaki was awarded the Women's Coach of the Year prize.
© AFP
Over 50,000 professional football players from across the globe submitted their votes for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI. Every voting player selected one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
2011 is the third edition of this special FIFA/FIFPro award, and the team is as follows:
2011 is the third edition of this special FIFA/FIFPro award, and the team is as follows:
Iker Casillas; Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nemanja Vidic; Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi; Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney.
Check below if you have managed to predict the correct FIFA/FIFPro World XI and, consequently, have a chance to win a great prize!
Check below if you have managed to predict the correct FIFA/FIFPro World XI and, consequently, have a chance to win a great prize!
© AFP
It has been a monumental year for Japanese football. AFC Asian Cup success, representation in four of FIFA’s five tournaments, the hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup last month, and the calendar year crowned by ground-breaking victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Germany.
The list of accomplishments are quite simply outstanding, made all the more timely with 2011 being the 90th anniversary year of the Japan Football Association.
Most remarkable was that the feats were achieved against the backdrop of an unimaginable natural disaster. On 11 March Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami that wreaked an overwhelming toll.
The loss of life and damage to property was barely conceivable, however the nation was able to find some level of solace through football.
The results were exceptional but so too was the dignity and equanimity showed by the nation’s various international teams. Japan’s representatives displayed significant mental fortitude following the disaster to achieve success against a harrowing and all-consuming backdrop.
The hearts and minds of football fans all over the world were duly captured by the mental strength and courage displayed by Japan.
The list of accomplishments are quite simply outstanding, made all the more timely with 2011 being the 90th anniversary year of the Japan Football Association.
Most remarkable was that the feats were achieved against the backdrop of an unimaginable natural disaster. On 11 March Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami that wreaked an overwhelming toll.
The loss of life and damage to property was barely conceivable, however the nation was able to find some level of solace through football.
The results were exceptional but so too was the dignity and equanimity showed by the nation’s various international teams. Japan’s representatives displayed significant mental fortitude following the disaster to achieve success against a harrowing and all-consuming backdrop.
The hearts and minds of football fans all over the world were duly captured by the mental strength and courage displayed by Japan.
I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream.
Japan's FIFA Women's World Cup-winning captain Homare Sawa
Never was that better displayed than in Germany during June and July as Japan achieved the unthinkable by overcoming women’s football heavyweights Germany, Sweden and USA en route to a stunning maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup crown.
The Nadeshiko showed remarkable resilience to end the eight-year reign of host nation Germany, before twice coming from behind to edge world No1 USA on penalties in a memorable finale.
Japan thus became the first male or female world champions at senior level, and in doing so, received widespread plaudits from media and opponents alike, as well as becoming firm fan favourites.
The Nadeshiko exhibited a banner thanking football fans for their support during their time in Germany. The banner previously displayed proudly by the Japan team in Mexico at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
It was, as Nadeshiko captain and star midfielder Homare Sawa said during Germany 2011, a chance to provide the ailing nation with support. “I hope we can give strength and encouragement to the Japanese people back home,” said the tournament's adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner. “I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream.”
The victory proved to be a massive boost with the Nadeshiko lifted to an unprecedented high of three in the world. Unmatched interest in the domestic league also ensued while Japan maintained their momentum with a stylish qualification for the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament London 2012.
The youth teams matched that success qualifying for both of their respective FIFA World Cups asJapan’s women’s representatives concluded the year with just one defeat in 21 competition matches.
It was not just the women who flew the flag with the Japan U-17 and Beach teams participating with distinction at the respective FIFA tournaments held in Mexico and Italy, following the March disaster.
2011 began with outstanding success for Japan on the field with the senior team crowned champions of Asia when Samurai Blue lifted a record fourth AFC Asian Cup.
The year concluded with a triumph off the field as Japan hosted an impeccably organised FIFA Club World Cup in the cities of Yokohama and Toyota. Local heroes Kashiwa Reysol impressed global viewers with their performances, as did Spanish giants Barcelona with their stylish title claim, but the tournament’s organisation amid the hardship of 2011 was in many ways the crowning achievement.
Following the March disaster FIFA provided significant financial assistance to Japan for football infrastructure with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter visiting the devastated Sendai area in December saying it was also important to provide solidarity telling local youngsters that “football is hope.”
The benchmark set by Japan’s football fraternity has indeed been both inspirational and unprecedented. Truly 2011 will be long remembered as Japan’s year in football.
The Nadeshiko showed remarkable resilience to end the eight-year reign of host nation Germany, before twice coming from behind to edge world No1 USA on penalties in a memorable finale.
Japan thus became the first male or female world champions at senior level, and in doing so, received widespread plaudits from media and opponents alike, as well as becoming firm fan favourites.
The Nadeshiko exhibited a banner thanking football fans for their support during their time in Germany. The banner previously displayed proudly by the Japan team in Mexico at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
It was, as Nadeshiko captain and star midfielder Homare Sawa said during Germany 2011, a chance to provide the ailing nation with support. “I hope we can give strength and encouragement to the Japanese people back home,” said the tournament's adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner. “I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream.”
The victory proved to be a massive boost with the Nadeshiko lifted to an unprecedented high of three in the world. Unmatched interest in the domestic league also ensued while Japan maintained their momentum with a stylish qualification for the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament London 2012.
The youth teams matched that success qualifying for both of their respective FIFA World Cups asJapan’s women’s representatives concluded the year with just one defeat in 21 competition matches.
It was not just the women who flew the flag with the Japan U-17 and Beach teams participating with distinction at the respective FIFA tournaments held in Mexico and Italy, following the March disaster.
2011 began with outstanding success for Japan on the field with the senior team crowned champions of Asia when Samurai Blue lifted a record fourth AFC Asian Cup.
The year concluded with a triumph off the field as Japan hosted an impeccably organised FIFA Club World Cup in the cities of Yokohama and Toyota. Local heroes Kashiwa Reysol impressed global viewers with their performances, as did Spanish giants Barcelona with their stylish title claim, but the tournament’s organisation amid the hardship of 2011 was in many ways the crowning achievement.
Following the March disaster FIFA provided significant financial assistance to Japan for football infrastructure with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter visiting the devastated Sendai area in December saying it was also important to provide solidarity telling local youngsters that “football is hope.”
The benchmark set by Japan’s football fraternity has indeed been both inspirational and unprecedented. Truly 2011 will be long remembered as Japan’s year in football.
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