Lionel Messi has won the FIFA world player of the year award for a record fifth time. He thus ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s two-year hold on the Ballon d’Or trophy, soccer’s top individual honour.
The Barcelona forward regained the prize after his club won five major titles last year, leaving Ronaldo’s Real Madrid with nothing. Ronaldo ended up in second place, with Barcelona striker Neymar in third. Voting was by national team captains and coaches, plus invited journalists, from FIFA member countries. Barcelona swept the main honours as Luis Enrique was named best coach for guiding the winner of Spain’s La Liga, Champions League and Club World Cup.
