The 22-year-old forward, who also landed the European Footballer of the Year prize earlier this month, picked up the accolade after collecting four major titles with Barcelona -- the Champions League, the Club World Cup, La Liga and the King’s Cup.“This finishes a magnificent year for Barcelona, my teammates and for me,” said Messi after receiving the trophy from UEFA president and former France international Michel Platini.
The Argentine, who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000, claimed 1,073 points in a poll of 147 national team coaches and captains.
Portugal and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, last year’s winner, was a distant second with 352 points followed by Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi (196).
Messi was leading scorer in the 2008-09 Champions League, hitting nine goals including one in the 2-0 final win over Manchester United.
He also notched the extra-time winner in the 2-1 Club World Cup final victory over Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
List of men’s winners: 2009 Lionel Messi, Argentina; 2008 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal; 2007 Kaka, Brazil; 2006 Fabio Cannavaro, Italy; 2005 Ronaldinho, Brazil; 2004 Ronaldinho, Brazil; 2003 Zinedine Zidane, France; 2002 Ronaldo, Brazil; 2001 Luis Figo, Portugal; 2000 Zinedine Zidane, France; 1999 Rivaldo, Brazil; 1998 Zinedine Zidane, France; 1997 Ronaldo, Brazil; 1996 Ronaldo, Brazil; 1995 George Weah, Liberia; 1994 Romario, Brazil; 1993 Roberto Baggio, Italy; 1992 Marco Van Basten, Netherlands; 1991 Lothar Matthaus, Germany.
Women’s winners: 2009 Marta, Brazil; 2008 Marta, Brazil; 2007 Marta, Brazil; 2006 Marta, Brazil; 2005 Birgit Prinz, Germany; 2004 Birgit Prinz, Germany; 2003 Birgit Prinz, Germany; 2002 Mia Hamm, United States; 2001 Mia Hamm, United States.
Benzer Haberler 
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