Ronaldo beats Messi, Neuer to Ballon d’Or

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named world footballer of the year after winning the Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row.

The Portugal captain beat Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the award.

Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder Nadine Kessler was named women’s player of the year, while Colombia’s James Rodriguez won goal of the year.

The three candidates for the Ballon d’Or were all picked in the team of the year, along with defenders Phillip Lahm, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos, midfielders Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos and Angel Di Maria and forward Arjen Robben.

Meanwhile, Germany manager Joachim Low was named FIFA Coach of the Year at the ceremony.

A huge favourite for the award, Low led Germany to the World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

Before that came an unforgettable demolition of Brazil in the semi-finals, when Die Mannschaft hit seven past the hosts.

Low said: “It is the icing on the cake, the cake being the World Cup. I know this award is not just for me, I am taking it here on behalf of all those who have assisted.

“We have had excellent conditions to produce what we have been able to produce. It’s a consequence of many years of hard work. I’d like to say thank you to all of the German coaches who do so much with the young players every day.

[/media-credit] (Top – from left) Arjen Robben, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo (bottom –from left) Manuel Neuer, Sergio Ramos, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos, and Andres Iniesta pose on stage after being selected in the 2014 FIFA FIFPro World XI during the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Zurich… on Monday.

“What would a coach be without a fantastic team? To all the other guys who are not here, my gratitude to you is eternal, you are world class.

“It is a gift to me to be able to work with you.”

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg Women’s coach Ralf Kellermann was named the FIFA female Coach of the Year, before honouring the late Junior Malanda.