Messi named 2015 Ballon D’Or winner ahead of Neymar, Ronaldo

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has been named FIFA World Player of the Year 2015.

The Argentine beat team-mate Neymar and rival Cristiano Ronaldo, to the prize and has now won it five times.

Messi was the clear favourite to win the prize, having led Barcelona to a famous treble last season. It is also his fifth time of taking home the accolade.

Ronaldo won the last two editions of the Ballon d’Or, with Messi finishing second both times.

But on Monday night, the Portuguese forward failed to draw level with Messi for overall wins on Monday night.

“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,” Messi said after receiving his award.

“It’s incredible this is my fifth. It’s much more than anything I’ve dreamed of as a kid. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I want to thank my teammates.

“And lastly, I want to thank football in general for everything it has brought me. Both the bad and the good. Because it has made me learn and grow.”

Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique won the men’s Coach of the Year award, ahead of Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli.

Carli Lloyd of the USA Women’s team, was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year over Japan midfielder Aya Miyama and former Germany striker, Celia Sasic.

The women’s Coach of the Year award was won by United States national coach Jill Ellis.

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