Countdown for the best FIFA player of the year has shrank to last three players including two of the most favorite players to win the crown and a French international footballer who plays for Bayern Munich. Everyone has long been guessing who would be this year’s Ballon d’Or winner while eyes were on Messi, Ronaldo, and Bale, but to many surprise, Bale could not make it to the last three despite some stunning performances off late, especially his first hat trick for Real in the absence of Ronaldo. Lionel Messi, as always, has been on the list of everyone coz of his magnificent show in the last season, but since his form has not been so focused in last few months coz of his injuries, Real’s in-form striker Ronaldo is the most predicted player to win highly prestigious FIFA award this year. Notably, Messi has been winning this crown continuously since last four years, hence his dominance over others will again be in his favor coz this award is generally based on previous season’s performance, while on the other hand, Ronaldo, who is on firing mood these days, is also the favorite for lots of high profile soccer personalities who are going to vote for the ultimate winner.
Bigger disappointment for Real has been the absence of Bale who just shifted to them on a record breaking deal and despite the fact that this Welsh footballer has scored 26 goals in the last season for his former club Tottenham. However, Real can relax with Ronaldo who is in there for his impressive 34 goals haul in Primera Division season along with some earth shattering performances in Portuguese world cup qualifying matches. Ribery, the new entrant to this final list, is also the top performer last season, in fact, he has also won UEFA’s best player for 2012-13 season along with winning his club three titles in a single year. As far Messi is concerned, he scored almost 45 goals in the last season including some refined shows playing for his national side and qualifying them to the Brazil world cup.
Apart from best player, there is also a category which acknowledges best manager of the year and two heavyweights: Manchester United’s all time favorite Sir Alex Ferguson and Bayern Munich’s former boss Jupp Heynckes, who enabled them win Champions League title, are in the final tally this year. So, the countdown has begun and January 13 is the deadline to announce who’s the ruling king in his respective category, but all eyes will surely be on Messi and Ronaldo.