Seen by many as a detritus on the footballing landscape, this years Ballon d’Or gala, the ultimate celebration of the footballing individual, saw Lionel Messi pick up a record fifth title amidst a shower of glitz and showbiz glam.
The Argentine genius claimed his prize ahead of second placed Ronaldo and teammate Neymar, who seemingly supported his colleague in true bro fashion throughout.
Presented with his prize by previous winner and former Milan superstar Kaka, Messi gushed when holding his prized trophy;
“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.
“It’s incredible this is my fifth. It’s much more than anything I dreamed of as a kid.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I want to thank my team-mates. Without them none of this would be possible.
“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 grow and learn.”
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USA’s Carli Lloyd took the award for women’s footballer of the year following a stellar 2015 in which she netted a hat trick in the World Cup final.
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Men’s coach of the year went to Luis Enrique who was unfortunately unable to collect his trophy.
The womens coach of the year went to USA’s Jill Ellis.
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Team of the year lined up thusly.
World XI: Manuel Neuer; Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves; Andrès Iniesta, Luka Modric, Paul Pogba; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Which was presented by Samuel Eto’o wearing an actual leather tuxedo.
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The Puskas award went to Wendell Lira for this absolute thriker.
And his speech was rather emotional.
Plenty of japes ensued with the bloke from ‘Cold Feet’.
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And gossip mags had a old lovely time mulling over the context of this wonderful picture. Note Neymar’s protective eyes.
Photo of the night EPIC
#Ronaldo ?
#Antonela ?
#Messi ?
#Neymar ?? pic.twitter.com/qiDttBkRuy
— Real Madrid Wags (@RealMadridWags_) January 11, 2016
When you think someone is trying to crack on to your mate’s girlfriend…#BallondOr pic.twitter.com/kV7WsVbwu2
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 11, 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo putting the moves on Lionel Messi’s wife and Neymar looks ready for a scrap… pic.twitter.com/dNsKbgKxrx
— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) January 11, 2016
There was lots of questions over James Nesbitt’s hair.
And, er, Leona Lewis made an appearance.
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The end.