There has always been a place for these three men to sit amongst football royalty. Possessing skill levels that even surpass the talented few who have been fortunate enough to claim the very same award, the honour now presents itself to these three, as they continue to represent a generation of the most gifted footballers of modern times.
Had it been that there time of prosperity did not collide with one another, it could have been a sure fired bet that they would have all picked up the award based on this year’s merits. But there can only be one winner, even though all three players will be remembered by a cohort of fans who have watched them over the past few years.
Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi
For Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi, there really are little more prestigious honour then what one of them could be awarded. Fifa’s World Player of the Year is a clear message to the footballing community that its holder really is the games most gifted player.
Their season’s achievements are an advertisement for the Spanish league, with all three candidates playing their club football in La Liga.
The only showcase of Premier League talent was Wayne Rooney, who has been out forward for Goal of the Year for the over-head-kick he scored against Manchester City. Messi though may well grab this award too, for the clever chip and volley he scored against Arsenal in the Champions League.
Messi has won the World Player of the Year award twice before, the first in 2009 and then again in 2010, whilst his Barcelona team mate Xavi has never won the award, coming third on both of Messi’s winning years.
Former Manchester United star, Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award though. It was back in 2008 after coming third in 2007 – a year which Kaka won.
All three of these football superstars were on the shortlist to win the award last year, with Ronaldo and Xavi finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
And Messi has been made favourite by the bookies to make his award winning hat-trick this year, completing a three year whitewash of decoration.
In other news, Ferguson and Pep Guardiola are competing to take home the Manager of the Year award. Whilst the scot led Manchester United to their record breaking 19th league title, Guardiola has led his Spanish giants to a domestic league win and Champions League domination. Ironically, it was a Champions League final that hosted both teams, where in this most elite contest Guardiola prevailed.
So more than likely then, Barcelona will be recognised as the team whose talent oozes from their players right to their management, affirming the beliefs of many that they remain the team to beat going into 2012.