Manchester United players

Rooney salutes evergreen Giggs

2009-12-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney was full of praise for Ryan Giggs, after the veteran winger provided two goals and scored another in United's 4-1 win at Fratton Park.

The Welshman, who turned 36 on Sunday, was at his influential best against Avram Grant's side and, although Rooney's hat-trick hogged the headlines, it was the contribution of Giggs which had the England international purring.

"He's amazing," Rooney told MUTV. "His energy, his workrate, his passing and his movement are unbelievable. It's a privilege to play with him.

"He plays more like a 26-year-old; he's up and down, he's everywhere. It's great for him to get his 100th Premier League goal. I didn't know (about the record) until after the game, but I'm delighted for him."

Rooney also took time out to praise the man on the opposite flank; Antonio Valencia, who gave Portsmouth a torrid time and continued his rapid assimilation to the United style of play.

"I think he's settling in more and he's looking much more of a threat now," said Rooney. "He's scored a few goals in recent weeks, he's big, strong, quick and if he keeps improving the way he is, he'll be a real threat for us throughout the season."

source: manutd.com

Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or 2009

2009-12-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named the European Footballer of the Year.

Lionel Messi wallpaper
photo author: adifansnet

The Argentinean won the prestigious Ballon d'Or by a record margin from last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, 22, becomes the sixth Barcelona player to take the award but the first for four years - since Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.

The Argentinian won an unprecedented treble last season as the Catalan side won the UEFA Champions League, the Liga title and the Copa del Rey.

Messi was the top scorer in last year's Champions League with nine goals, including a header in the 2-0 final defeat of Manchester United in Rome.

The talented playmaker knew he was a serious contender to win the coveted prize, but did not expect to pip his rivals by such a wide margin.
Favourites

"Honestly, I knew that I was among the favourites because Barcelona had a fruitful year in 2009," he told French Football magazine.

"But I didn't expect to win with such a margin. The Golden Ball is very important to me.

"All the players who won it were great players, and some great players never won it."

Barca teammates were also hailed with midfielder Xavi taking third place with 170 points while Iniesta was fourth on 149.

In fifth place was Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, who left Barca to join Inter Milan. He was Barca's other scorer in the 2-0 final win over United.

The highest ranked Premier League star was Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who finished in eighth place. He was closely followed by Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

source: skysports.com

Besiktas 0-1 Manchester United: Paul Scholes goal enough for three points

2009-09-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

A late header from Paul Scholes handed Manchester United a 1-0 win over Besiktas in Istanbul to give them a winning start in the Champions League.

The first hour of the match was an evenly matched affair as the well organised hosts stifled United with the full backing of their vociferous home support.

But the Red Devils made substitutions and a tactical change as the game began to open up in the closing stages and Scholes pounced with a header on 77 minutes after Hakan Arikan had parried Nani’s shot – a perfect response after his sending off against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

As a result Wolfsburg and United lead the way in Group B after the first match-day, with CSKA Moscow and the Turkish champions getting off to losing starts.

Besiktas' key men, striker Nihat Kahveci and experienced goalkeeper Rustu Recber were only fit enough for the substitutes' bench.
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read more on goal.com

photo source: sporx.com

Andrew Cole: Wayne Rooney Will Score '25-30 Goals' For Manchester United

2009-09-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has backed Wayne Rooney to score "25-30 goals" this season.

Cole, himself having scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United, felt that Rooney was keen to step up in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and prove his class.

"Rooney has started the season really well. He's ready to step into Ronaldo's shoes. His attitude is 'I'm top, and I'm going to prove it'. He's the man to get 25-30 goals this season," Cole said, according to United’s official website.
The ex-England ace also urged fans to be patient with Dimitar Berbatov, after the Bulgarian endured a mixed first season. Cole acknowledged that the high expectations that greeted Berbatov have yet to be met, but emphasised the importance of the stylish forward’s contributions.

"It's not easy coming to United in your first season," he added. "The spotlight is on you straight away and everyone expected Berbatov to get 30 goals last year.
"I don't think he's that type of player, but he brings something different to the team. He's so elegant.”

Cole was also looking forward to seeing new signing Michael Owen make an impact.

He continued: “Then there's Michael Owen. There aren't many natural finishers around. Sir Alex told me that if he keeps Owen fit he'll get goals."

source: goal.com

Wayne Rooney Set For New Manchester United Mega-Deal

2009-08-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Red Devils are planning to make their star striker one of England's highest earners...

Manchester United are making ready to offer Wayne Rooney a bumper new contract, the News of the World claims.

The England forward, who netted twice in his club's 5-0 rout of Wigan Athletic on Saturday to pass 100 United goals, still has three years remaining on his current deal.

He presently rakes in around £105,000 per week, but the powers that be at Old Trafford feel that Rooney deserves to match it with the highly paid stars of the Premier League's nouveau riche outfits.

Chelsea stalwarts John Terry and Frank Lampard and the Manchester City trio of Carloz Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robinho are each said to earn upwards of £150,000 per week.

And United are more than willing to reward the Scouse star who many believe must be the one to fill Cristiano Ronaldo's empty boots if Sir Alex Ferguson's men are to challenge for honours this term.

It is unlikely that any movement will be made on this deal until Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, completes his FA ban.

source: goal.com

Chelsea 2 United 2 (4-1 on pens)

2009-08-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Community Shield was prised from United’s grasp in an enthralling clash at Wembley, a game that required a penalty shoot-out to separate two evenly-matched sides. Despite this defeat, 4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time, the Reds' performance provides plenty of promise for the season ahead.

Nani had given United the lead with a long-range effort after just ten minutes, then Ricardo Carvalho equalised shortly after half-time. But in a competition that used to be called the Charity Shield, there was little charity in Chelsea’s second. As Patrice Evra lay prostrate on the ground after a bad Michael Ballack challenge, referee Chris Foy neglected to stop play and Frank Lampard scored what everyone thought was the winner. That was until substitute Ryan Giggs picked out Wayne Rooney’s run, and the Reds forward expertly finished to send the tie to the lottery of spot-kicks.

New Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti experienced his first match at Wembley and in English football, but he has plenty of recent practice in facing Sir Alex Ferguson. In four Champions League games with AC Milan - Ancelotti’s last club - the Italian won three, twice knocking United out of the competition.
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more: manutd.com

Mach Photos

Manchester United To Probe Valencia Over David Silva

2009-08-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

The Red Devils are apparently plotting one lust hurrah in the summer market...

According to the News of the World, Manchester United have set their sights on Valencia's sought-after playmaker, David Silva.

The Spanish international's future has been a source of great speculation all summer long, with clubs all over Europe thought to have inquired after the player.

Given Los Che's well-documented financial troubles, it is widely believed that they will have to sell either David Villa or Silva to balance the books - and with the former now certain to stay, the odds have shortened on the latter leaving.

Nevertheless, Valencia recently declared that the 23-year-old midfielder will not be sold, and although Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that his transfer business is done, sections of the British press would have it that Silva could move to Old Trafford by the end of August.

United will host the Mestalla club in a pre-season glamour friendly this coming Wednesday, and it is claimed that the Premier League champions will use the opportunity to register an interest in Silva.

NOTW reports that the Red Devils will have to stump up at least €29 million to have any hope of signing the player, who is also coveted by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

source: goal.com

Valencia's motivation

2009-08-02T01:06:00.000-07:00

"I love life in England and I love the football here. When I was a kid, I always dreamed of playing in a league that was this good."
– Antonio Valencia

MUTV presenter David Stowell put his Spanish to the test on Monday to quiz new signing Antonio Valencia...

So, Antonio, welcome to Manchester United. How does it feel to be a footballer at this club?
Thank you very much. I’m very pleased and very proud to be here. It’s great to be at such a big club and now I have to work hard. It's a big campaign for the club this year and I hope to be a big part of the team’s success.

How has training been here with the other players and what’s it like compared to your time at Wigan?
It’s hard to say because it’s my first day [in training] but the lads have been very welcoming. That’s really important and it gives me confidence. Everyone has been great – the players and the manager – and I hope to play well for the club throughout the season.

When did you first hear Sir Alex wanted to sign you?
I think we had a conversation about five or six months ago. I was very happy but when a club that big shows interest it motivates you to work really hard and continue to do so.

Read more: manutd.com

Ten matches move for TV

2009-07-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Several dates and kick-off times for United's fixtures in the first few months of the 2009/10 campaign have been changed, after Sky and new Barclays Premier League rights holders ESPN chose the matches they will screen live.

So far ten matches have been given new dates and/or start times. They are as follows:

United v Birmingham Sun 16 August KO 13.30 Live on Sky

Burnley v United Wed 19 August KO 7.45pm (was Tuesday, until Birmingham match moved to Sunday)

United v Arsenal Sat 29 August KO 5.15pm Live on Sky

Tottenham v United Sat 12 September KO 5.15pm Live on ESPN

United v City Sun 20 September KO 1.30pm Live on Sky

United v Sunderland Sat 3 October KO 5.15pm Live on ESPN

Liverpool v United Sun 25 October KO 2.00pm Live on Sky

United v Blackburn Sat 31 October KO 5.15pm Live on ESPN

Chelsea v United Sun 8 November KO 4.00pm Live on Sky

United v Everton Sat 21 November KO 5.15pm Live on ESPN

source: manutd.com

Carlos Tevez Completes Manchester City Move

2009-07-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

The Argentine striker completes a medical and signs a five-year-deal at Eastlands.

Argentine International Carlos Tevez has completed his move to Manchester City.

The former Manchester United striker has been the subject of a protracted transfer tussle since the end of last season.

The deal was officially completed after the 25-year-old has signed a five-year-deal at Eastlands after finally passing a medical.

Manchester City have been favourites to secure the premanent signing of the striker after he ruled out extending his two-year stay at Manchester United.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson seemed to believe there was only one reason to choose City over United as he told Sky Sports, "I'm a bit surprised, but at certain stages money talks, and for me, Tevez has looked at the money side rather than his playing career side."

The Eastlands outfit fought Chelsea for the signature after the former Boca Juniors man revealed he would not move to Liverpool out of respect for United and their fans.

source: Goal.com

Antonio Valencia Profile

2009-07-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Antonio Luis Valencia
Birth Date: August 4, 1985
Birth Place: Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Height: 5' 11'' (1.80m)
Weight: 12.3 st (78 kg)
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder

Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia became United's first summer signing in 2009 when he joined the Reds from Wigan Athletic on 30 June.

The skilful 23-year-old has more than 30 caps for his country, including one in the 1-0 defeat to England in the 2006 World Cup. His performances at the tournament earned him a nomination for FIFA's Best Young Player award and raised a few eyebrows among Europe's top bosses. (more...)

Antonio Valencia manchester

Antonio Valencia photo

Antonio Valencia image

Antonio Valencia

United sign Valencia

2009-07-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Manchester United is delighted to announce it has completed the signing of Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Ecuador international has played 34 times for his country, scoring four goals.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”

Antonio Valencia said: “Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

“Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.”

source: manutd.com

Goodbye Ronaldo and Thank You For Contributions

2009-07-02T01:24:00.000-07:00

Manchester United has completed the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. The unconditional £80million transfer fee has been paid.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world.

"His contribution has been a major factor in the club’s success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over.

“Everyone here wishes him well in his future career.”

source: manutd.com

Karim Benzema Pictures

2009-06-29T01:51:00.000-07:00

Karim Benzema wallpaper

Karim Benzema picture

Karim Benzema photo

Karim Benzema nice photo

Karim Benzema wallpaper image photo

Profile of Karim Benzema

2009-06-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

10 | Olympique Lyonnais for now :) | Striker
Height: 1.83m. Weight: 73.00kg. Nationality: France
Born: 19/12/1987 in Lyon
First professional match: Lyon - Metz : 2-0 le 15/01/2005

Career of Karim Benzema

Season	Club	Championship	European Competitions	Caps
04-05	Lyon	6 Games	(-)
05-06	Lyon	1 Goals, 13 Games	1 Goals, 1 Games (Champions League)
06-07	Lyon	5 Goals, 21 Games	2 Goals, 3 Games (Champions League)	1 Goals, 2 Games
07-08	Lyon	20 Goals, 36 Games	4 Goals, 7 Games (Champions League)	2 Goals, 11 Games
08-09	Lyon	17 Goals, 35 Games	5 Goals, 8 Games (Champions League)	2 Goals, 9 Games

Honours of Karim Benzema

2005 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2006 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2006 French Super Cup Winner (Lyon)
2007 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2007 French League 1 top scorer (Lyon)
2007 French Super Cup Winner (Lyon)
2008:: French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2008:: French Cup Winner (Lyon)

Karim Benzema (born 19 December 1987 in Lyon) (pronounced /bɛnˈziːmə/ or /bɛnˈzeɪmə/) is a French footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais and the France national team. Benzema has been heralded as one of the leading players of France's new generation and has, to a lesser extent, been compared to the Brazilian Ronaldo by several former players and pundits, primarily due to his prolific scoring, great physique, effective dribbling, and great vision. His nickname is Le Phénomène, the French variation of "The Phenomenon", which is Ronaldo's nickname. Ronaldo is also Benzema's favorite player. (more...)

Arsenal To Battle Manchester United & Real Madrid For Karim Benzema

2009-06-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

According to the News of the World, Arsenal are set to announce their interest in the highly sought-after Olympique Lyonnais striker, Karim Benzema.

The 21-year-old is currently in the midst of a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Real Madrid, with Lyon and the player's agent admitting that both super-clubs are genuinely interested.

It is thought that it will take upwards of €30 million to prise Benzema away from the Stade Gerland, a sum that would usually rule a team of the Gunners' nature out of the bidding altogether.

However, recent reports suggest that the London side are seriously considering offers for Emmanuel Adebayor, as Milan have declared that they are chasing the Togolese forward.

The board at Ashburton Grove will let Arsene Wenger decided whether or not to offload 25-year-old 'Ade', who is expected to fetch in the vicinity of €35 million.

These claims are as yet unsubstantiated, but the development of the Adebayor situation could give a big hint as to their validity.

source: goal.com

Ronaldo sale set for completion

2009-06-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure is all but done and dusted after Real Madrid and Manchester United finalised the agreement for his transfer on Friday evening.

The Portuguese winger was the subject of a world record £80million offer from the Spanish club on Thursday 11 June. He has since been on holiday but a return to work with new employers now beckons, with the sale set to be completed on Wednesday 1 July.

United have made no further comment, other than to confirm the finalisation.

source: manutd.com

Cristiano Ronaldo Answears All The Fans Eamils

2008-11-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo - Email MUTV - 07/08

videos cristiano ronaldo,cristiano ronaldo youtube,cristiano ronaldo 2008

Ronaldo and Messi in Battle For Top Honor

2008-11-08T02:38:00.000-08:00

Manchester United's Ronaldo and Barcelona's Messi are among 23 players on a shortlist announced by the world governing body on Wednesday.

Ronaldo's goals helped United win the English Premier League and the Champions League last season, while Messi inspired Argentina to win the Olympic gold medal.

Six members of Spain's European Championship-winning team -- Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, David Villa and Xavi Hernandez -- are also chasing the game's most prized individual award.

The 2007 winner, Brazil's Kaka, is also in contention.

Ten women were on FIFA's shortlist for top female player, including Brazil's Marta, Birgit Prinz of Germany and American duo Hope Solo and Shannon Boxx.

The candidate lists were drawn up by a team of experts assembled by FIFA, football's world governing body.

Voting is done by head coaches and captains of men's and women's national teams.

Three finalists in each contest will be named in December, before the winners are announced at a gala event on Jan. 12 at the Zurich Opera House.

Nominations for FIFA World Player 2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Deco (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Steven Gerrard (England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Franck Ribery (France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain), Xavi Hernandez (Spain).

Nominations for FIFA Women's World Player 2008: Nadine Angerer (Germany), Shannon Boxx (United States), Cristiane (Brazil), Daniela (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany), Christine Sinclair (Canada), Kelly Smith (England), Hope Solo (United States), Ingvild Stensland (Norway).

Dimitar Berbatov Manchester United Photos

2008-09-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Dimitar Berbatov Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov Chelsea vs Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov Game Play

Dimitar Berbatov

Berbatov

Ronaldo's Girlfriend Is A Prostitute, Says British Paper

2008-09-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Unashamed British gossip rag and part-time life destroyer News of the World claim that a woman Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a brief tryst with is not only a hooker, but also a drug dealer.

Their undercover reporter state that ''Fernanda" boasted of her ''REALLY good'' relationship with the silky Portuguese winger during a cocaine-induced sex orgy with another lady of the night.

The News of the World also state that their ''informer'' offers clients uninhibited full sex for £460, and sold their journalist two grams of ''Colombia's finest'' cocaine, gave him a strip show, and indulged in a lesbian act.

The Sunday tabloid - a ''newspaper'' that thrives on rumours, disgrace, and covert malice - say this is not the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has locked groins and reveled in the company of whores.

Last year he allegedly brought five back to his house for an orgiastic pool-side party.

source: goal.com

Dimitar Berbatov Goal Show Video

2008-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dimitar Berbatov Goal Show Video

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov top 10 goals

Dimitar Berbatov (Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov)

2008-09-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Personal information

Full name: Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov
Date of birth: 30 January 1981 (1981-01-30) (age 27)
Place of birth: Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2+1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Striker

Senior clubs

Years	Club
1999–2001 2001–2006 2006–2008 2008–	CSKA Sofia Bayer Leverkusen Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

Berbatov was born in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. His father, Ivan, was a professional footballer with local outfit Pirin Blagoevgrad, and his mother, Margarita, was a professional handball player. As a youngster, Berbatov supported A.C. Milan and modelled himself on Marco van Basten until Euro '96 in England, when the then fifteen year old discovered a new role model in Alan Shearer, formerly of Newcastle United, even sleeping in a Newcastle shirt. His mother later spoke of Dimitar's dream of playing for Newcastle one day. Berbatov learned the English language by watching the "Godfather" films. Outside of football, he lists his hobbies as drawing and basketball.

After much speculation, Berbatov completed a move to Manchester United on 1 September 2008 for a fee of around £30.75 million, with Fraizer Campbell joining Tottenham on a season-long loan as part of the deal. This came despite Tottenham accepting a bid for Berbatov from Manchester City on the same day. Berbatov's contract to United is for four years, and he will wear the number 9 shirt previously worn by Louis Saha.

source: wikipedia.org

Chelsea, Ronaldo Win Champions League Awards

2008-08-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

Cech, who was on the losing end of the Champions League final penalty shootout against Edwin van der Sar and Manchester United, nevertheless pipped the Dutchman to the award for his superb performances on the way to and even during the final.

"Of course it was difficult, because it was up to me and five players who were chosen to shoot, but you have to concentrate on yourself and this is what I try to do," explained the goalkeeper, recalling that dramatic, rain-soaked shootout in Moscow.

"For me persnally, it's an amazing achievement to get this award this evening," he said. "To be a great defender you need a lot of attributes; to read the game very well, be quick, strong, good in the air, and you also need good team-mates around you, which I have bundles of, so I'm happy."

The winners finally picked up an award, and it of course went to Cristiano Ronaldo, for best forward. The secret to his success? "Work. I think Manchester had a great season and I scored many goals.

"I feel very proud because my position is winger and to win the best forward is good for me, it gives me ambition to work good and better. Thank you everyone who voted for me, thank you to my team-mates, and good night."

And of the four separate winners, it was Ronaldo who won the overall award for best player. "To win this award is great for me," said the Portuguese ace. "I feel very proud, very good, to win this, because the Champions League is one of the best. Every player likes to play this competition and to be the best."

He again gave thanks to many, but for the second time neglected to mention manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was sitting in the crowd. "For me, is great, thank you everyone, thank you my team-mates, thank you to everyone, to all the players, it's great, it's good for me, I feel very happy."

Best Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Nominees: Manuel Almunia (Arsenal), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United).

Best Defender: John Terry (Chelsea)

Nominees: Jamies Carragher (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).

Best Midfielder: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Nominees: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Steve Gerrard (Liverpool), Paul Scholes (Manchester United).

Best Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Nominees: Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

source: goal.com

Best Of Cristiano Ronaldo 2007/08

2008-08-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

2007/08 season is the season for Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, or well known as Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he will never forget about this astonishing season as well. He won all major titles this season including Premiership, Champions League and made himself as Top Scorer in both competition. Ronaldo also won the 2008 English PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year, which is a back to back victories for him on both awards. With all of those achievements, there is no doubt for me that he will win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.