On Monday the 2012 Fifa Ballon d’Or awarded to the best male player in the world will be handed out in Zurich, Switzerland.
The three finalists are Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo who again will likely be disappointed.
Of course Leo Messi is going to win this award after breaking German Gerd Mueller’s record of 85 goals that has stood since 1972.
Messi has produced a goal remarkably every 66 minutes for an average of 1.3 goals per game.
Messi who scored 91 goals in 69 games four both club and country has won the award the prior three seasons.
Winning it a fourth consecutive time would set a new precedent.
The FIFA womens player of the year award will come down to Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan of the U.S. Womens national team and Marta of Brazil.
With U.S. success in winning gold the winner is likely to come from Wambach and Morgan and based on history in the game I am going with Wambach despite the fact she has found life in the partnership with Morgan.
Still Marta has won it five straight times.
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Glenn- Off topic, but wanted to comment on NYRB shipping Lindpere to Fire.
Don’t like this move at all. Guess it’s in response to RedBull signing aged Juninho. My opinion, would much rather have a hard working, good attitude, Lindpere who has proven himself in MLS to old “former” great with little to nothing in the tank and nothing to prove.
When NYRB originally signed Lindpere, to be honest never heard of him and being an Estonian Nat. teamer really didn’t impress. But he certainly proved his mettle, was outstanding offensive force Midfielder with an engine that will not quit. Fire got a great pick up.
William,
Lindpere came in to league with an edge to prove. I believe he has lost that a bit or maybe got slightly comfortable at Red Bulls.
Lets see if this move motivates him back to earlier MLS form.
We will see how they build team around Juninho, set pieces and dead balls he will be important. What can he do during the run of play, of course he will not be at two way player so lets see how they set the team up.