MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 06:46:57| >> :120:38157:38157:

Lionel Messi wins unprecedented fifth Ballon d'Or

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi wins an unprecedented fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or award, edging out competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fifth time.

The Argentine overcame competition from perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who had won the award for the last two years, and Barca teammate Neymar, who was in the top three for the first time.

Lionel Messi receives the Ballon d'Or during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016© Getty Images

Messi and Neymar, alongside Luis Suarez, spearheaded a record-breaking front three to fire Barcelona to five trophies in 2015, including a memorable treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season.

The trio scored 122 goals for Barca in the 2014-15 campaign, with Messi providing 58 of those, including a memorable solo effort in the Copa del Rey final that made it into the top three for the 2015 Puskas Award.

The 28-year-old also broke the record for the most hat-tricks in Spanish football history and most La Liga assists during 2015, finishing the year by scoring in the FIFA Club World Cup final and then again on his 500th appearance for the club.

Messi had previously won the Ballon d'Or four years in a row between 2009 and 2012, but missed out to Ronaldo in 2013 and 2014.

ID:264049: cacheID:264049:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2691:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
The FIFA FIFPro World XI assembles on stage at Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016
Read Next:
Madrid, Barca boast four players in FIFPro World XI
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!