Sergio Aguero named Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has been named as the Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year.

The 26-year-old beat competition from Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic, Raheem Sterling and Morgan Schneiderlin to win the award.

Aguero played a major role in helping City to win the Premier League title and he is currently the top goalscorer in this season's campaign.

The Argentine has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and grabbed a hat-trick in his team's 3-2 win against Bayern Munich last week.

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Manuel Neuer 'honoured' to be on Ballon d'Or shortlist

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has spoken of his delight at being named on a three-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or.

The German number one is first keeper to make the final three since Oliver Kahn made the shortlist in 2002 and he will go head to head with previous winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the award.

"That's wonderful news and a huge honour for me," Neuer told Bayern's official website. "There's no guarantee a goalkeeper will ever be nominated.

"But to a very large extent, the credit has to go to my teams. We had a magnificent 2014 with FC Bayern and Germany and won trophies."

In the past year Neuer has won the World Cup with Germany and the Bundesliga with Bayern.

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Javier Hernandez wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool

Arsenal and Liverpool have both been reportedly linked with a move for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

The 26-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at Real Madrid, but he has struggled for playing time and has started just two games.

According to the Daily Star, the Mexican is unlikely to complete a permanent move to Madrid next summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool both lining up bids of £12m for his services.

Hernandez has scored four goals for Madrid this season.

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Victor Valdes returns to Manchester United

Victor Valdes has returned to training with Manchester United, quelling suggestions that he had departed the Premier League club.

It was claimed on Friday that the Spaniard had stopped training with United to return to Spain, but according to the Daily Mail, that was a temporary trip and the stopper is now back in Manchester.

The 32-year-old, who departed Barcelona this summer, is still recovering from a serious knee injury that he suffered towards the start of the year.

It is not yet clear whether Valdes will be offered a permanent deal at Old Trafford, but he is certainly continuing his recovery with Louis van Gaal's side.

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Sergio Aguero named Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has been named as the Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year.

The 26-year-old beat competition from Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic, Raheem Sterling and Morgan Schneiderlin to win the award.

Aguero played a major role in helping City to win the Premier League title and he is currently the top goalscorer in this season's campaign.

The Argentine has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and grabbed a hat-trick in his team's 3-2 win against Bayern Munich last week.

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Marco Asensio: 'I have agreed to join Real Madrid'

Teenage forward Marco Asensio has revealed that he has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old, who currently represents Mallorca, has accepted a five-year contract with the European champions.

"I've decided to join Real Madrid and I'm very happy," he told Cadena SER.

"I'm very eager for them to wrap everything up so everyone can have peace of mind, the club, me and Real Madrid. I'm honoured that one of the best clubs wants to sign me and the best is Real Madrid.

"The agreement is for five seasons and now, it's time to enjoy it. The friends I have that are Real Madrid fans are happy."

Asensio is expected to remain on loan at Mallorca for the remainder of this season, before officially joining next summer.

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Yacine Brahimi named BBC African Footballer of the Year

Algeria international Yacine Brahimi has been voted as this year's BBC African Footballer of the Year.

The Porto midfielder came out on top of a five-man shortlist that included Vincent Enyeama, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gervinho and last year's winner Yaya Toure.

"It's a big honour for me to receive this wonderful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and to all the people who voted for me," he told BBC Sport.

"It's also a trophy for the whole of Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I am really very happy."

"This trophy is going to give me more strength, more desire to work, to get better, to learn so that I can keep having great performances."

Brahimi has won 14 caps for Algeria and played for his country at this year's World Cup.

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Thierry Henry confirms New York Red Bulls departure

Thierry Henry has revealed that he has played his last game for New York Red Bulls.

The 37-year-old joined the MLS outfit from Barcelona in 2010 and has scored 52 goals in 133 games in America.

However, the Frenchman will now explore other avenues and has hinted that his playing career is not yet finished.

"I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career," Henry said in a statement.

"The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn't want it to distract from the progress of the team. I have immensely enjoyed my four-and-a-half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has made my time here so enjoyable.

"Thanks must go particularly to Erik Soler, Hans Backe, Gerard Houllier, Andy Roxburgh, Mike Petke, all my teammates, the technical staff, medical staff, all the personnel who work for the Red Bull organisation, the MLS and of course the owner Mr Mateschitz whose vision and passion brought me to this wonderful city."

The Red Bulls were beaten 4-3 on aggregate by New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship play-off on Saturday, which proved to be Henry's final match for the club.

Henry, who initially signed a four-year deal with New York, has played for the likes of Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona during a memorable career.

It is thought that the former France international could return to former club Arsenal in a coaching capacity.

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Javier Hernandez hints at Manchester United exit

Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez has said that he needs to be at a club where he is playing regular first-team football next season.

The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Real Madrid, but he has made just two starts for the La Liga giants.

"I am not sure what will happen in the summer yet - but whatever happens I need guarantees," the Daily Mail quotes him as saying.

"I am 26 now - in the summer I will be 27 - I must be at a club where I am going to be playing regularly.

"Wherever I am playing next season - I will make sure I have those sort of assurances."

Hernandez joined United from Guadalajara in 2010 and has scored 59 goals for the club.

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Liverpool offer Steven Gerrard new contract

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club have offered a new deal to captain Steven Gerrard.

The 34-year-old, whose current deal will expire next summer, has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with reports suggesting that he had agreed a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Rodgers has insisted that the former England international at Anfield needs time to consider the new deal.

"Firstly in terms of the club the latest is that Steven Gerrard and his representatives have been offered a contract here and at this moment in time that's where it's at," Rodgers told The Guardian.

"For Steven, everything has done in the period of time he's been here, for 16 years, is a man who deserves utmost respect and time to consider that. It's not just a big move in his life in terms of commitment but needs time and respect to look at that.

"It certainly won't be money. I've spoken to him enough times at length and that won't be the case. Between now and the end of the season he deserves the opportunity to think."

Gerrard started Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke on the bench, a game that marked 16 years to the day since he made his debut for the Merseyside club.

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FIFA Ballon d'Or

The field of contenders has been narrowed down and the final shortlist has been revealed. The following three players remain in the running for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014. Join us for the official ceremony on 12 January 2015 to find out which of these three stars will be handed the coveted award and recognised as the best individual talent for the past year in world football.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

PORTUGAL

The year 2014 could not have started better for Cristiano Ronaldo, as he became the first Portuguese player to win a second FIFA Ballon d’Or. The top scorer in La Liga with 31 goals in 30 games, Ronaldo played a huge part in Real Madrid’s tenth UEFA Champions League triumph, finding the back of the net 17 times in the course of their campaign, a new record for the competition.

Lionel MESSI

ARGENTINA

Despite the fitness problems that hampered his start to the season, Lionel Messi still managed to end the 2013/14 Spanish La Liga campaign as its second-highest scorer with 28 goals, though his contribution was not enough to secure Barcelona the title. The 26-year-old star made up for that disappointment and his club’s exit in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by guiding Argentina to the Final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, where he scored four goals and collected the adidas Golden Ball. Fresh from that achievement, the four-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner is now gunning for the Spanish league’s all-time goalscoring record.

Manuel NEUER

GERMANY

Manuel Neuer has been the undisputed No1 in goal both for reigning world champions Germany and record German titleholders Bayern Munich for several years now. He made numerous magnificent saves at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ to play a key role in his side’s title success and was deservedly awarded the adidas Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Neuer also added two further medals to his collection in 2014 after winning the league and DFB Cup double with Bayern. It is not only his breathtaking reflexes on the line that help Neuer to stand out, but also his talent on the ball and ability to participate in team moves.

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Men's World Coach

The three finalists for the 2014 FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football have been announced. The following coaches have made the final three-name shortlist and remain in the running for this illustrious award. Make sure to mark down 12 January on your calendars. On that evening, the world will turn its attention to Zurich for the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala where we will discover which of these three finalists will be recognised as world football’s Coach of the Year for the men’s game.

ANCELOTTI Carlo

ITALY

Carlo Ancelotti showed what he is made of by sliding into the hotseat at Real Madrid and winning the Copa del Rey and the club's eagerly awaited tenth UEFA Champions League title. These successes were made all the sweeter by the fact they were secured with respective victories over old rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The Italian coach exceeded expectations in his first season with Los Blancos, restoring a sense of calm to the club and turning his side into a relentless winning machine spearheaded by a lethal and insatiable frontline. Ancelotti picked up this season where he left off last by landing the UEFA Super Cup, yet another piece of silverware for the Bernabeu trophy cabinet.

LOEW Joachim

GERMANY

After a long and arduous journey, Joachim Low has finally reached the summit of world football after leading Germany to a deserved triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. It marked the highlight of his eight and half year reign as Germany coach so far, coming four years after his side finished in third place at the tournament in South Africa thanks to their technically demanding attacking game. A meticulous worker and astute tactician, Low impressively moulded his team to perform as a single unit in Brazil, with the side harmonising almost perfectly both in defence and attack. “I was absolutely convinced that we would be able to take the last step, which we did in 2014,” the 54-year-old Black Forest native said. “The time was right and the team were ready.”

SIMEONE Diego

ARGENTINA

“One game at a time” became Diego Simeone’s mantra last season, one in which his brand of dedication, perspiration and complete commitment allowed Atletico Madrid to win the Spanish La Liga and break a nine-year stranglehold by Real Madrid and Barcelona. A master when it comes to set-piece strategies and man management, the Argentinian also took his side to the brink of European glory. Appearing in only the second European Cup/UEFA Champions League final in their history, they came within seconds of lifting the famous trophy only to succumb to a last-gasp rally by cross-town rivals Real. A small measure of revenge would later come for Simeone and his men in the Spanish Super Cup.

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James, Van Persie and Roche shortlisted for Goal of the Year

The Real Madrid man was included as the shortlist for Goal of the Year was whittled down to three

James Rodriguez's stunning volley for Colombia against Uruguay at the World Cup is among the three goals shortlisted for the 2014 Fifa Puskas Award.

The other two efforts which could win the trophy on January 12 are Robin van Persie's looping header for Netherlands against Spain, also at the World Cup, and Republic of Ireland women's forward Stephanie Roche's wonderful strike for Peamount United versus Wexford Youths.

Rodriguez lit up the Maracana with his effort which propelled his country into the quarter-finals of the World Cup. After taking the ball on his chest he swivelled on the edge of the area and lashed the ball home via the underside of the bar.

That strike bore a close similarity to Roche's. The 25-year-old showed great technique to control the ball on her right foot, flick it over her shoulder, and her marker, before cracking a left-footed volley past the helpless goalkeeper.

Van Persie's goal came in Oranje's stunning 5-1 demolition of then world champions Spain.

The Manchester United star ran on to Daley Blind's long pass from the left touchline before diving full length to place his header over Iker Casillas.

The award - voted for by users of Fifa.com and francefootball.fr - will be handed out as part of the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

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Fifteen forwards shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI

FIFPro, the worldwide players’ union, and FIFA today announced the 15 forwards shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014 (see list below) to complete the final 55-player shortlist. After the unveiling of the five goalkeepers, 20 defenders and 15 midfielders who made the shortlist, the 15 forwards to be added to it are now also known.

The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from tens of thousands professional footballers worldwide. They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.FIFPro and its national affiliates are responsible for gathering votes from professional footballers worldwide. It is the only global award that truly represents the views of those who play the beautiful game. For more information on the voting procedure can be found on the FIFPro website.

The forward shortlist is: (home country / club)

Sergio Aguero (Argentina / Manchester City FC)

Gareth Bale (Wales / Real Madrid CF)

Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid CF)

Diego Costa (Spain / Chelsea FC)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Real Madrid CF)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden / Paris Saint-Germain FC)

Robert Lewandowski (Poland / FC Bayern München)

Lionel Messi (Argentina / FC Barcelona)

Thomas Muller (Germany / FC Bayern München)

Neymar (Brazil / FC Barcelona)

Marco Reus (Germany / Borussia Dortmund)

Arjen Robben (Netherlands / FC Bayern München)

Franck Ribery (France / FC Bayern München)

Wayne Rooney (England / Manchester United FC)

Luis Suarez (Uruguay / FC Barcelona)

The final FIFA FIFPro World XI will then be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 12 January 2015. During the televised ceremony, the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the best player of 2014 and the winner of the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2014 award will also be revealed, while the FIFA World Coach of the Year awards for men’s and women’s football will be presented for the fifth time. The FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year, the FIFA Presidential Award, and the FIFA Fair Play Award will also be presented during the award ceremony.

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Nominees for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 awards revealed

The contenders for this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the best player of 2014 and for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2014 award were announced today on FIFA.com, francefootball.fr and YouTube.

In alphabetical order, the FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees are: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Manuel Neuer (Germany), while Nadine Kessler (Germany), Marta (Brazil) and Abby Wambach (USA) will contest the women’s award.

The candidates for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football and FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football awards were also announced. In alphabetical order, the contenders are: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid CF), Joachim Loew (Germany/German national team) and Diego Simeone (Argentina/Atletico de Madrid) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award, and Ralf Kellermann (Germany/VfL Wolfsburg), Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-19 and U-20 national teams) and Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan national team) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award.

All the nominees were confirmed after a voting process which was open to the captains and head coaches of the men’s and women’s national teams of the 209 member associations as well as to international media representatives selected by FIFA and France Football voted for candidates.

The percentages of the collected votes are as follows (number of votes/number of associations): 

Voting for men’s awards: 

Member associations (captains & coaches): 87% 

Media representatives: 94%

Voting for women’s awards: 

Member associations (captains & coaches): 83% 

Media representatives: 77%

The voting procedure for each of the awards is supervised and monitored by the independent observer PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Switzerland.

The shortlist of 15 forwards for the FIFA FIFPro World XI was also announced, completing the final shortlist of 55 players also featuring five goalkeepers, 20 defenders and 15 midfielders.

The forward shortlist is (home country, club): 

Sergio Aguero (Argentina/Manchester City FC); Gareth Bale (Wales/Real Madrid CF); Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid CF); Diego Costa (Spain/Chelsea FC); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid CF); Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Paris St-Germain FC); Robert Lewandowski (Poland/FC Bayern Munich); Lionel Messi (Argentina/FC Barcelona); Thomas Muller (Germany/FC Bayern Munich); Neymar (Brazil/FC Barcelona); Marco Reus (Germany/Borussia Dortmund); Arjen Robben (Netherlands/FC Bayern Munich); Franck Ribery (France / FC Bayern Munich); Wayne Rooney (England/Manchester United FC); Luis Suarez (Uruguay/FC Barcelona).

See the full list on FIFA.com

In addition, the three nominees for the FIFA Puskás Award for the “most beautiful goal of the year” were announced. The three final goals are: Stephanie Roche - 20 October 2013, Peamount United v Wexford Youths, BEWNL (Ireland Republic); James Rodriguez - 28 June 2014, Colombia v Uruguay, 2014 FIFA World Cup™; Robin van Persie - 13 June 2014, Spain v Netherlands, 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

All the awards will be presented at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 12 January 2015 during a televised show to be streamed live on FIFA.com and FIFA on YouTube.

In addition to the above awards, the recipient of the FIFA Presidential Award and the winner of the FIFA Fair Play award will also be revealed during the award ceremony.

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