2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or to Be Revealed Tonight – Thierry Henry to Present the Trophy
The football world is on edge as the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner is set to be announced tonight in Zurich, during a highly anticipated ceremony organized by FIFA. The award will crown the best footballer of 2014, with the three finalists being:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Adding prestige to the evening, Thierry Henry — France’s all-time top scorer who recently retired from professional football — will present the trophy. His involvement was kept under wraps until recently, and was teased earlier in the day by ceremony host Kate Abdo, who hinted at a familiar face to French fans.
“It’s an honor to present the #BallonDOr2014,” Henry confirmed via Twitter, fueling excitement ahead of the announcement.
The Candidates:
Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, is the defending champion and a two-time winner (2008, 2013). With a phenomenal 2014 including 61 goals, a Champions League, and Copa del Rey title, he’s considered the frontrunner.
Lionel Messi, 27, already a four-time Ballon d’Or winner (2009–2012), finished runner-up at the 2014 World Cup, where he was also named Best Player.
Manuel Neuer, 28, is bidding to become the first goalkeeper since Lev Yashin in 1963 to win the prize. A World Cup champion, Neuer was a key figure in Germany’s triumph in Brazil and has enjoyed consistent success with Bayern Munich.
The results will be unveiled just before 7:00 p.m. GMT.
Stay tuned to see whether Ronaldo retains his crown, Messi reclaims the throne, or Neuer breaks the mold with a historic win.
