The FIFA World Player Of the Year/ Ballon d'Or Awards were merged this year, and Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi won for the second year running. Andres Iniesta and Xavi were the second and third placed players.

Lionel Messi won the award for the second year running. Barcelona was well represented with 5 members of the squad on the Team of the Year.

The Team of the Year consisted of 6 of the Spaniards who were influential in the World Cup victory.
GK     Casillas        Spain and Real Madrid
DEF   Maicon         Brazil and Inter
DEF   Lucio            Brazil and Inter
DEF   Puyol            Spain and Barcelona
DEF   Pique            Spain and Barcelona
MID   Sneijder        Netherlands and Inter
MID   Iniesta           Spain and Barcelona
MID   Xavi              Spain and Barcelona
FOR   Messi           Argentina and Barcelona
FOR   Villa             Spain and Barcelona
FOR    Ronaldo       Portugal and Real Madrid


Hamit Altintop of Turkey and Bayern Munich claimed the Puskas Award for his stunning volley against Kazakhstan.