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The best football player of 2010 was the Argentine Lionel Messi, who was awarded the "Golden Ball" at the ceremony in Zurich. The winner was determined by the votes of journalists, national team coaches, and captains.
The 23-year-old footballer, wearing the colors of "Barcelona", surpassed his teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
"I am surprised that I won, but happy to be with my friends," said Messi, who scored 60 goals for both his national team and club in a year. "I share this prize with my friends, family, everyone from Barcelona and Argentina."
Last year, the striker received both the "Golden Ball" and the FIFA Player of the Year title. From this year, these prestigious awards were combined into one.
The Coach of the Year was Jose Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to triumph in the Italian championship, cup competition, and Champions League. Currently, the Portuguese manages Real Madrid.
The most beautiful goal was recognized as Hamit Altintop's strike representing the Turkey national team against Kazakhstan.
The symbolic best eleven of the year:
Iker Casillas (Spain/"Real"); Maicon (Brazil/"Inter"), Gerard Pique (Spain/"Barcelona"), Lucio (Brazil/"Inter"), Carles Puyol (Spain/"Barcelona"); Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands/"Inter"), Xavi (Spain/"Barcelona"), Iniesta (Spain/"Barcelona"); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/"Real"), David Villa (Spain/"Barcelona"), Lionel Messi (Argentina/"Barcelona").
Photos from the award ceremony:
Video of the most beautiful goal of the year:
