Goal Zone

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Hull sign Jelavic from Everton for £6.5m

Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic has completed his transfer from Everton to Hull, the Toffees have announced.

Nikica Jelavic insists he has a "great opportunity" at Hull after the club completed the record signing of the Croatian striker from Everton.

The Tigers announced the signing of the 28-year-old on a three-and-a-half-year deal and it is expected manager Steve Bruce will hand him his debut in Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Norwich.

The club said the fee was undisclosed, but it is understood to be £6.5million rising to £7.5million if they stay in the Premier League.

Jelavic said: "As soon as the manager called me I realised straight away that he was really interested in signing me and that it is a great opportunity for me to come here.

"It is a good club, and we have a good squad. We talked a little bit, but it didn't take long to realise that it was right for me.

"It's a newly-promoted club, but I can see straight away that there is a lot of ambition here within the club and I hope that we can build on the great start to the season and become a really strong Premier League team over the coming years."

Chelsea have confirmed that the Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has returned to the club from Benfica in a deal understood to be worth £20.75m.

The 25-year-old, who will wear the No21 shirt, made three substitute appearances for Chelsea after signing from MSK Kosice in 2009, but left in January 2011 as part of the deal to sign David Luiz, in which he was valued at £3m.

Matic, who has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, told the club's website: "I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy."

On leaving Benfica, he said: "I want to thank all the people at the club and all the supporters. Benfica will forever be in my heart. I played here for two and a half years. I gave my best in every training session, every match, and now is the right time to leave.

"I want to improve, I want to go to a better league and I want to go to Chelsea, the club which I also love."

José Mourinho said: "I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions."

Fiorentina sign Matri

Fiorentina sign Alessandro Matri

Italian Serie A side Fiorentina moved to resolve an injury crisis affecting their strikers by signing Italian international striker Alessandro Matri on loan from rivals AC Milan on Tuesday.

Matri will fill the hole left by injuries to Giuseppe Rossi, leading scorer in Serie A with 14 goals, and German international Mario Gomez.

"There are some minor details to sort out and then I will be available for the coach," Matri told ViolaChannel.tv.

"I am hungry to play and to score a lot of goals," added the 29-year-old, who has played just six times for Milan this term, scoring once, and has become the target of abuse from the fans.

Matri will sign a six month contract with no option for Fiorentina to buy him.

Fiorentina have been searching for a striker since Rossi was injured on 5 January while Gomez has been out of action since virtually the start of the season.

According to the Italian press Fiorentina are also on the verge of signing on loan Brazilian forward Anderson from English champions Manchester United.

Ronaldo shares glory

Ronaldo shares Glory

Newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner and FIFPRO World XI forward Cristiano Ronaldo was all smiles on his return to Spain as he shares his Awards with fellow teammates at Real Madrid during a team training session today.

Former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has announced his retirement from his playing career to take up the vacant coaching job at San Siro.

Allegri was relieved of his duties following Milan's shock 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday, prompting further speculation that the Dutchman was primed to take the reins of the Serie A giants, and the Netherlands veteran confirmed on Tuesday that a deal is indeed in place for him to take on the role.

Seedorf has been playing for Brazilian side Botafogo since 2012, and explained:

"I am here to announce that I will retire from playing after 22 years.

"It has been a difficult decision, but I am satisfied with what I have achieved in my career. Here at Botafogo I am happy because I leave a team who have qualified for the [Copa] Libertadores.This experience of the last year and a half has made me grow up a lot and will help me in my next step, as coach of Milan, who have hired me in both an elegant and correct manner.

Seedorf made more than 400 appearances in a stellar 10-year spell with Milan, during which he claimed two Serie A and two Champions League titles.

The 37-Year Old admitted he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Milan after being confirmed as the Rossoneri’s new Coach.He will replace sacked 46 year-old Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired after winning just five of his first 19 league games this season, leaving Milan 11th in Serie A.

And the one-time Diavolo player has conceded that the offer to return to the club was just too good to turn down.

“The sacking of Allegri was decisive in my decision making,” he told reporters. “Galliani called me just yesterday [Monday].

“I could not say no to Milan after spending 10 years with the Rossoneri.

“I want to travel to Milano today. If I don't make it, then I will travel tomorrow.

“I like challenges, and coaching Milan will be another challenge in my career. I made the decision to join Milan today, but last night was a difficult night for me. But I’m sure I made the right choice.

“When I told my kids that I would be returning to Milan, they went all quiet. But they aren't against it.

“I don't know which formation I will use at Milan. I've played with seven of them, and that will help me.

"The contract I signed is for two and a half years. I'm delighted with the opportunity the club have given me and I'm very motivated to do well."

Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal : Wilshere fire Gunners back to League summit

Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2: Wilshere Stars as Gunners Return to the Top

Villa Park (Premier League)

Aston Villa: Benteke (76′) – Arsenal: Wilshere (34′), Giroud (35′)

With the Gunners resting for over a week since their last fixture, they were forced to watch in anguish as Chelsea (on Saturday) and Manchester City (on Sunday) both secured wins that offered them a chance to have a feel of what it felt like to be on top of the table.

The Gunners had it all to do on a cold night at Villa Park and the manager made a couple of changes from the side that was triumphant against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Wojciech Szczesny returned in goal, Laurent Koscielny replaced the injured Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta’s calf injury paved the way for Flamini, and the attacking duo of Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud returned to the fray.

As expected, Arsenal began the game on a brighter note with Bacary Sagna pelting a cross that gave Nathan Baker some problems as his attempted clearance sailed into the air before dropping on the roof of the net. Santi Cazorla swung in a deep cross that was nodded straight to Serge Gnabry’s path but his first touch let him down.

Sagna continued to threaten on the right flank with another deep cross that was flashed wide by Giroud. On the other end, Wilshere failed to control a loose ball and Christian Benteke fed it to Fabian Delph but the young Englishman’s shot drifted wide off the mark. The Gunners launched another attack from a short corner and when the ball fell to Gnabry’s path, he fired a goal-bound shot that hit Nathan Baker on his head.

It wasn’t a pleasurable sight as the defender stayed motionless on the ground while several physios and medics did their thing on him. After close to seven minutes of treatment, he was finally stretched off, which earned him a rousing ovation from both sets of fans. Shortly afterwards, El Ahmadi lurked into the box and latched unto Delph’s pass but his shot sailed effortlessly over the bar.

The match opener arrived when Mesut Ozil tore open the Villa defense with a carefully-weighted through pass to Nacho Monreal. The Spanish fullback surged forward before attempting to feed Giroud but Jack Wilshere controlled the ball with a superb first shot and fired it past Brad Guzan with his second touch.

That was Wilshere’s fifth goal in Arsenal colors, which is his personal best since he broke into the first-team in 2010. His play had been criticized for lack of goals, and with five already this season, those critics have been made to eat their words.

While the Gunners were basking in the euphoria of getting the game’s opener, Wilshere robbed Delph off the ball and clipped a diagonal pass to Giroud. The Frenchman shoved the threat Lowton posed and fired a shot past Guzan to make it two goals in less than a minute for the Gunners.

The Gunners contained their hosts for the remainder of the half and at the sound of the ref’s whistle, they were one half away from returning to the summit of the Premier League.

At the start of the second half, the hosts added some urgency to their game as Bacuna’s fired a shot that was easy pickings for Szczesny. At the other end, Monreal made a slalom run from the left and almost found himself through on goal but Ron Vlaar executed a strong tackle to evade the threat. However, he also had some of Monreal as well as the ball, which left the fullback on the turf.

Ozil almost exploited Gnabry’s pace with a neat through ball but Guzan raced from his line to anticipate the ball. Ozil fashioned a chance for Cazorla but his shot was saved by Guzan in goal. Arsene Wenger summoned the services of Kieran Gibbs for the injured Monreal and Tomas Rosicky replaced the ineffectual Gnabry.

Against the run of play, Cazorla was robbed off the ball and a cross into the danger area was headed home by Benteke.

Well taken: Christian Benteke dives in at the far post for Aston Villa's goal

That goal offered Aston Villa a chance back into the game and all of a sudden, the Gunners look rattled and nervous. Andreas Weimann hurled a cross with Benteke waiting on the far post but Mertesacker was on hand to make a vital merteception, heading the ball out for a corner.

Rosicky and Gabby Agbonlahor challenged for a ball in the air but the Czech was second best as he received a nasty whack to his nose that caused him to bleed. He was replaced by the Ox shortly afterwards.

Late on, Benteke had a header that was saved but the Gunners soaked up the pressure. After the six minutes of stoppage time had elapsed, the Gunners celebrated at the sound of the referee’s whistle as they had returned to the top,leaving the Premier League table looking like this......

With a home clash against Fulham coming up next,the Gunners can hope they can continue their they points haul,in pursuit of a Premier League crown they will feel they deserve,come May this Year.

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 in Pictures

An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo wins his second Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal holds the trophy for world player of the year at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

Portugal and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Monday January, 13 in Kongresshaus, Zurich.

This is his second time winning the FIFA Player of the Year. This also marks the first time in four years that the FC Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, does not walk away with the award.

CR7 was visibly emotional when accepting the award.

Ronaldo stated after receiving the award, “First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.

“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved,” he added.

The Portuguese international striker was sensational in 2013. He helped his club win La Liga, toppling FC Barcelona, and put Portugal on his back and qualified them for the 2014 World Cup.

Some of the most important names in the soccer world attended the gala. Apart from naming the top player for 2013, the top female soccer player in the world, the world’s ideal 11, Coach of the Year and the best goal of the year were awarded.

Brazil’s soccer legend Pele displays the honorary prize he received at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

FIFA honored the greatest player to ever grace the game, Pele. The three-time World Cup winner never won the Ballon d’Or during his historic playing career –this was due to the fact he played in South America and only players based in Europe are eligible for this award.

The Brazilian was awarded the first-ever FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter stated, “In the great sweep of history, there are few names that stand out. But when we think of football, there is one name that leaps out above all others.

“No player has had such an influence on the game. No one has inspired so many to play. His legacy speaks to us all. His verve and skill were timeless. His creativity limitless, his good nature boundless.”

Women’s player of the year

German international Nadine Angerer was voted the 2013 Woman’s Player of the Year. The German shot-stopper beat out the 2012 Player of the Year in American Abby Wambach and five-time winner Marta of Brazil.

The FIFA “dream team” with the best goal keeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards stands at the stage at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

The top 11 players in the world as voted by FIFA

Manuel Neuer (Ger – Bayern Munich), Dani Alves (Bra – FC Barcelona), Thiago Silva (Bra – Paris Saint Germain), Sergio Ramos (Spa – Real Madrid), Philipp Lahm (Ger – Bayern Munich), Franck Ribery (Fra – Bayern Munich), Xavi Hernandez (Spa – FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Spa – FC Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Arg – FC Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Swe – Paris Saint Germain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Por – Real Madrid)

Jupp Heynckes won Coach of the Year

The former treble-winning coach of FC Bayern Munich was named the Coach of the Year by FIFA. The German led his squad to a historic season, steamrolling past every opponent that stood in their way.

Heynckes stated, “I’m tremendously thankful to be here to pick up this award today. It means a lot to pick up an award right at the end of my career. Normally in team sports it is often difficult to put things together like this. It isn’t just down to me this is down to the whole club, Bayern Munich, everybody that has been working with me during this period.

“We have been blessed with world-class players and they produced amazing performances. The coaching staff have also lent their weight. I want to thank everybody that has pulled together and helped me to produce this winning team.

“Maybe ten years ago, I wouldn’t even have dreamt of this. I am humbled and happy to be standing here. Thank you very much,” concluded Heynckes.

Goal of the Year

The fans had their say, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted the winner of the Puskas award. His incredible bicycle kick against England –one of four goals that night–, beat out the spectacular striker by Nemanja Matic of Benfica against Porto and Neymar’s goal against Japan in the opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Ronaldo's record breaking 2013

Ronaldo's record-breaking 2013...Goal Zone pays tribute to The 2013 Ruler of the World

As Cristiano Ronaldo finds space on his mantlepiece for his 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or,we reflect on the forward's record breaking year.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or after finishing second to Lionel Messi in three of the last four years – reward for a forward who in many eras would have been peerless.

This was Ronaldo's second global award, having previously been 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year after winning the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United FC. Yet there is a sense that five seasons on he is even better than he was aged 23. The statistic that naturally stands out for 2013 is his 69 goals in 59 matches for Real Madrid CF and Portugal, when it seemed his 63 in 2012 would take some matching.

It is not just the quantity, but the quality and timely nature of those goals. That Portugal are in the 2014 FIFA World Cup is in large part thanks to the superstar from Funchal. In 2013 Ronaldo equalled Pauleta's record as the all-time top goalscorer for the Portuguese national side with 47 goals in 109 appearances, and it is telling that he emerged ahead of UEFA EURO 2004, his country have never failed to qualify for a major tournament and reached four semi-finals.

It was of course Ronaldo that stamped Portugal's passport to Brazil with four goals in the play-off against Sweden, proving in his duel with Zlatan Ibrahimović that he is second to none when it comes to finding the back of the net.

But it is not just for his country that he has broken records. Last April, Ronaldo became the first player in the history of Real Madrid to score 30 or more goals in three consecutive seasons. In order to understand the magnitude of this feat, it should be noted that strikers such as Raúl González, Ronaldo Nazario, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Hugo Sánchez and Alfredo Di Stéfano were unable to match that. His club tally is 230 in just 223 matches.

The UEFA Champions League, though, is perhaps the stage for which Ronaldo reserves his finest performances. His nine goals in the 2013/14 group stage set a new competition record for that stage. Over 2013 he has scored six hat-tricks for Madrid, taking his club tally to 23, having only registered one treble at United.

There is no sign of Ronaldo letting up in 2014, as he attempts to spearhead the charge for Madrid's tenth European title before travelling to Brazil. On 5 January against RC Celta de Vigo he scored his 400th career goals (five for Sporting Clube de Portugal, 118 for United, 230 at Madrid, 47 with Portugal).

There is no doubt that 2013 was Ronaldo's year, and the FIFA Ballon d'Or electorate clearly agrees. Congratulations Cristiano Ronaldo, Our very own "Commander-in-Chief".

FIFA BALLON D'OR 2013 AWARDS

FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Awards

FIFPRO WORLD XI 2013

NEUER (BAY/GER)

LAHM (BAY/GER) RAMOS (RMA/SPA) SILVA (PSG/BRA) ALVES (BAR/BRA)

INIESTA (BAR/SPA) XAVI (BAR/SPA) RIBERY (BAY/FRA)

MESSI (BAR/ARG) IBRAHIMOVIC (PSG/SWE) RONALDO (RMA/POR)

FIFA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD 2013 - DR. JACQUES ROGGE

FIFA WORLD COACH OF THE YEAR 2013 FOR WOMEN'S FOOTBALL - SILVIA NEID (GERMANY COACH)

FIFA WORLD COACH OF THE YEAR 2013 FOR MEN'S FOOTBALL - JUPP HEYNCKES (EX-BAYERN MUNICH COACH)

FIFA FAIR PLAY AWARD 2013 - AFGHANISTAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

FIFA PUSKAS AWARD 2013 - ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (SWEDEN VS ENGLAND)

FIFA BALLON D'OR PRIX D'HONNEUR - PELE (BRAZIL)

FIFA WOMEN WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013 - NADINE ANGERER (GERMANY GOALKEEPER)

FIFA MEN WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013 - CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID/PORTUGAL)

VOTING RESULTS

1ST CRISTIANO RONALDO (27.99%) , 2ND LIONEL MESSI (24.72%) , 3RD FRANCK RIBERY (23.36%)

Messi, Ronaldo and Ribery go head-to-head for FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery were announced as the three nominees for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, while Nadine Angerer, Marta and Abby Wambach were revealed as the nominees for the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award on 9 December 2013. From these final shortlists, journalists, national coaches and captains will vote for the winner of the respective awards.

The winners of all of the awards will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala as part of a televised show at the Zurich Kongresshaus on 13 January 2014.

A 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or was compiled by the FIFA Football Committee and a group of experts from France Football. It was announced on 29 October.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID / PORTUGAL)

2013 proved to be another goal-drenched year for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star helped himself to 34 of them in the 2012/13 Liga season, a haul beaten only by Lionel Messi’s 45, and scored a hatful more in Europe and for his national team. Always on top form for Real Madrid and Portugal, the flying forward, who won the FIFA World Player award in 2008, is only gaining in stature with Los Merengues, and it came as no surprise when he extended his contract with the club to 2018 and said he was considering staying put for the rest of his career.

Lionel MESSI (BARCELONA / ARGENTINA)

Since winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or the Barcelona ace has showed no sign whatsoever of letting up, topping the La Liga’s scoring charts as his side made off with the 2012/13 league title. Messi has been just as prolific on the international front, finishing the South American qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ as the second-highest marksman. With a third world finals to look forward to next year, the 26-year-old attacking wizard is bearing downing fast on another record, as he seeks to become the highest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Franck RIBERY (BAYERN MUNICH / FRANCE)

Frustration reigned for Franck Ribery in 2012 as Bayern Munich finished runners-up in the Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League, but the dangerous France winger did not have to wait long to exorcise the memory. Operating at a different level since those disappointments, he helped his side win all three competitions in 2013, adding the UEFA Super Cup for good measure. Moreover, he has also shone brighter for Les Bleus in recent times, becoming a more convincing and decisive performer on the international stage. Reputed for his mesmerising dribbles, precise shooting ability, and explosive acceleration, those qualities could well keep Bayern on top at home and abroad and inspire France to force their way back into the limelight – just as they convinced UEFA to crown him the Best Player in Europe in 2013.

GOAL ZONE EXCLUSIVE ; FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 showdown!!!

Who will win the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013? Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery?

FIFA will be announcing the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 winner this evening. Messi, Ronaldo and Ribery are the final 3 candidates to win the award, but only one will be crowned as the best football player in the World for 2013.

After a thrilling 2013 year full of emotions and moments of sheer brilliance, it's time to finally look back at everything that happened in the past 12 months and try to figure out who has made the most to deserve winning such a prestigious and honorary accolade. Lionel Messi from Barcelona , Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich and Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid all made it to the final frontline.

LIONEL MESSI

Barcelona's living legend and the club's top goalscorer of all-time, has already won 4 straight consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or (2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012). He has not had what we could call a bad year, but judging his numbers to his own standards, he has also had a year far from being perfect. Lionel Messi finished 2013 with 45 goals in 46 games. He had a perfect 39 goal and game record for Barcelona and scored 6 times in 7 matches for his home country ArgentinaAs usual, the 26-year old forward was a vital piece in Barça's season last year, but had a big setback in September in a game against Almería, when he suffered a harsh thigh injury. Those muscle problems would force him to sit out for roughly the whole last 3 months of 2013 and somehow, many still believe that it might had been enough to put him out of the FIFA Ballon d'Or race this year.

Nevertheless, Messi still helped Argentina to calmly earn their ticket to Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup and was naturally Barcelona's flagship in their successful La Liga campaign. Barça got stopped by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey's semi-finals (4-2 on aggregate) last February and by Bayern Munich on a painful and traumatic UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they've ended up losing 7-0 on aggregate. Last August, Messi and his teammates would still manage to collect another piece of silverware though, after getting the better off Atletico Madrid on a 2-leg Spanish Super Cup tie.

FRANCK RIBERY

If the FIFA Ballon d'Or was a race on which club titles weighed more as a voting factor, then Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery would certainly be in the pole position to take home his first ever Ballon d'Or. Ribery scored a total of 22 goals in 47 games throughout 2013, 18 of those for Bayern Munich (in 40 appearances) and 4 for France (out of 7 matches). He has been very important in Bayern Munich's campaign last season, leading the way to win the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as helping his home nation getting the ticket for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, he doesn't exactly carry neither France or Bayern Munich on his shoulders, at least not as Ronaldo and Messi seem to do with the teams they represent,but he is an integral piece of the jig-saw at both teams.

Bayern Munich won everything they have competed at in 2013 and even though it could be debatable that Franck Ribery was in fact the team's main figure in most of the decisive games, the Frenchman was probably the most regular high-performance player that the Bavarian team had at their disposal. Having won all titles at their reach is basically Ribery's only leverage for the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala, since his individual stats seem to be miles away from the numbers both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo pulled off in 2013

CRISTIANO RONALDO

The Real Madrid forward had one of his best performing seasons, finishing the 2013 calendar year with 69 goals scored in 60 games, combining his appearances at both club and national team level. From those 69 goals, he got to score 59 out 51 matches for Real Madrid, while netting 10 in 9 games for Portugal. He broke his own personal record for the most goals scored in a single calendar year [69], became the UEFA Champions League 2012-13 top goalscorer with 12 goals and played a decisive role in leading Portugal straight through into Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup. At the end of 2013, he was also the top goalscorer in La Liga and this season's UEFA Champions League, in which he set a new all-time record for the most goals scored during the group stage [9]. His individual stats are quite more impressive in comparison with fellow FIFA Ballon d'Or candidates Leo Messi and Frank Ribery. The Portuguese will have his shortcomings sighted from his inability to deliver any silverware for Real Madrid in 2013.

The Merengues finished 2nd in La Liga's last season, 15 points behind their arch-rivals and the current Spanish champions FC Barcelona. Real Madrid has also felt the bitter taste of losing a cup final at home, when they hosted the Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabéu in May 2013 and lost 1-2 to Atletico Madrid, after extra-time. Everything went wrong for the club from Chamartín, and their journey in the UEFA Champions League was no exception to that rule. Real Madrid got knocked out by Borussia Dortmund in the competition's semi-finals, after losing 4-1 in Germany and coming short in the 2nd leg played at home, with a bitter 2-0 win. Nevertheless, CR7 will hope his personal performances are enough to help him add his 2nd Ballon d'Or to his new museum in Madeira.

Who gets your vote for this Year's FIFA Ballon d'Or.....Messi,Ronaldo or Ribery?