Michel Platini tips Xavi Hernandez for Ballon d'Or
UEFA president Michel Platini says that his choice to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or is Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
The 30-year-old Barca stalwart has enjoyed an outstanding past few seasons for both his club and the Spain national team, and is one of the front-runners to claim the award handed to the best player on the planet as determined by football's governing body.
Other top names, such as current holder of the title Lionel Messi, 2008 winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi's club and national team colleague Andres Iniesta and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder are also considered to be the among the main contenders for the award.
However, Platini has claimed that Xavi's efforts in helping Barcelona to win the La Liga title for the second season in a row and his contribution to Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup win meant that he should be considered the favourite for the Ballon d'Or after
placing third in the voting last year.
Platini told Sky Sport Italia that: "Ballon D'Or? There are a few players who a great but different. Messi is strong, Ronaldo is strong, Xavi, many different players who are all strong.
"Two years ago I chose Ronaldo, last year Messi. This year I would choose Xavi. He won the World Cup. Xavi, Iniesta, Sneijder? Xavi as he won the World Cup and Spanish league with Barcelona."
Xavi has been with Barca for his entire career, and has helped them to win five league championships, one Spanish Cup, four Spanish Supercups, two UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
The playmaker made his debut for the senior Spain team in 2000 after winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 1999. He has gone on to win more than 90 caps and has scored eight international goals.
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