FIFA has finally released the three finalists for the Ballon d Or Award: Real Madrid s Cristiano Ronaldo, and FC Barcelona s Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Messi, a two-time winner of the award (2009, 2010), is the favorite to win the award after a magnificent season which saw FC Barcelona win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo previously won the award in 2008 and could very much so deserve another one this year.
In 2010-11, Ronaldo tallied a ridiculous 53 goals in 54 games. Simply stunning.
The former Manchester United talisman has kept it going this season, bagging 21 goals in just 20 appearances for Los Blancos.
But Lionel Messi has been just as impressive. The crafty Argentine striker scored 53 goals and added 24 assists in 55 games in all competitions last season.
Messi and Ronaldo seem to be from another planet at the moment. Their accomplishments are not just impressive, but truly mind-boggling.
Once again, Messi has kept the pace in 2011-12 tallying 27 goals and 12 assists in just 24 games.
The third and final finalist is Xavi, the heart and soul of FC Barcelona.
Xavi is arguably the most creative midfielder of his generation and has truely revolutionized the position of central midfield.
He is primarily renown for his vision, but he can also have a go at goal on occasion.
The Spanish international scored five goals last season (50 appearances) and has already bagged five this season (22 appearances).
However, Xavi s impact cannot be measured by just goals and assists.
Not only is Xavi the vice-captain of FC Barcelona, but can control a game in midfield like no other player in the world and that must surely count for something.
That being said, I believe that this a two man race between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Since FC Barcelona won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Messi seems to be the easy choice.
However, I would give my first place vote to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Perhaps I feel this way because I have thought for many years that Ronaldo is the best player on the planet, but I think it s safe to say that either selection would be worthy of the Ballon d Or.
FIFA also announced the finalists for FIFA Women s Player of the Year, FIFA Men s Coach of the Year, and FIFA Women s Coach of the Year.
Here are the following finalists:
