Football Update: Lionel Messi declared ‘The Best player of 2010’
The 23 years old Barcelona striker, Lionel Messi, has won the Ballon d’ Or award for the year 2010 on Monday evening at
Kongresshaus Zurich. The Argentinean international thrashed his team mates in the contest by securing 22.65 % of the votes, whereas Andres Iniesta secured 17.36 % and Xavi 16.48 %. He edged out Xavi and Iniesta in a thrilling yet sensational voting
contest and was crowned the best player of the year 2010. Second time in his career, he managed to successfully defend the accolade as he had already won Ballon d’ Or for the year 2009. Last year he won Player of the year award along with Ballon d’ Or but
this year both of these awards are merged.
Ballon d’Or was envisaged by Gabriel Hanot, a French chief magazine editor, who used to ask his peer fellows to vote for the best footballer of the year. Previously referred to as European Footballer of the year, it’s an annual award to any player for his
thriving calendar year. Stanley Matthews from Blackpool won this award for the first time in Ballon D’ Or entire history when it started back in 1956.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pele-c40189 were ruled out for the chances to get the award when only journalists could vote for this award. Some changes were made in the statute of the award in 1995 to also allow non - European players to participate. In 2007, it was declared
that award would be given to any player having any nationality. While in 2010, FIFA player of the year award was merged with Ballon d’ Or thereby naming it FIFA Ballon d’ Or.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique appraised the verdict by saying that he is the cut above the rest of the footballers all over the world. He said,
“Everyone in the competition is well versed with exceptional skills but I think voters considered the individuality of the players and Messi is a step above.”
Real Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho, won the ‘Coach of the year’ award.
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