The Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo Regains His Title as Messi Misses Out Again

All football fans focused their attention on Zurich this evening as football's stars of the year took to the red carpet for the 2014 Ballon d'Or. 

Ronaldo's return to the podium was hardly the least surprising event of the evening. His continued dominance on the world stage eclipsed Messi for the second year in a row and other runner-up Manuel Neuer must be pleased with making the top three, although it's a shame we won't be able to call it the 'Ballon Neuer' for the next twelve months.

One German that did win though was national team coach, Joachim Low, who led the country to a storming World Cup in Brazil last summer. He beat Carlo Ancelotti, who having won 'La Decima' with Real Madrid would've felt hard done by, as would Diego Simeone, who managed to lead Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title in what everyone assumed had always assumed was a 'two team league'. Perhaps our managers could take some tips from them. Here's looking at you, Roy.

Whilst coach of the year going to Roy Hodgson would've been a surprise, perhaps an even bigger shock came in the form of some of the players included in the World XI of the year. It threw up some of the most questionable winners since Owen Hargreaves took England Player of 2006 - not as prestigious but equally as puzzling. There were some expected names, with German blockade Neuer still standing in goal and his utilised national team-mate, Philipp Lahm sat in front of him, at left back on this occasion.

David Luiz; the biggest shock to be included in the World XI.

It's important to bare in mind that the World XI was voted for by writers, coaches and most importantly players from around the world, when looking at the majority's decision to pick David Luiz at centre-back, a player who many that voted for him would've weaved in and out of his shambolic defending. On that note Thiago Silva was lucky to be included too, also playing part in the team that shipped seven against Germany on their own turf. Thankfully, Ramos at right back the reclaimed a level of solidity, who despite having a disappointing summer with Spain, has arguably evolved into the most commanding centre back (not right back) in the world. Had he been placed alongside powerhouses Hummels, Kompany or even Godin, then the defence would have looked more convincing. 

In midfield there were two names nailed on; Di Maria and Kroos, who both left and arrived at Real Madrid either side of the summer. Di Maria is the only player within the line-up to currently play in the Premier League, yet the roots of his performances in 2014 lay firmly in Madrid and Brazilian soil where he helped Argentina reach the World Cup Final. Fellow team mate Mascherano could have also been in with a chance as our boy Roy voted for him as his player of the year, but he missed out to Barcelona companion Iniesta in a three man midfield. The ageing Spanish star has undeniably been one of the best players in recent years, but with muted performances last year, when others such as Yaya Toure are tearing teams apart each game, is there any reason why Iniesta still makes the World XI? Perhaps people need to put the memories of 2011 and 2012 Iniesta to one side and focus on more ground-breaking performances like Toure, Pogba and even Muller to contribute to a more up to date team.

Paul Pogba; a player that could make the World XI in the future.

Which leads me onto the front three; a formidable trio. Of course, it would have to be Messi and Ronaldo, but who would accompany the cavalry? Gareth Bale had an outstanding season for Real Madrid, only muted by the likes of Ronaldo playing alongside him, whereas the new Galactico, James Rodriguez, took the World Cup by storm, winning the golden boot in a Colombian shirt, but failing to make a mark just yet in his new Madrid gear. Many will argue that World Cup 2014 poster boy Neymar should've been picked but a few inconsistent performances and injuries have cost him a place. So back to the Premier League, no? Suarez must've been chomping at the bit to get into the line-up, but maybe that was the problem, causing him to be what seems ineligible to vote for. Aguero then surely, or Costa - neither. The most hotly contested place to make the World XI was Arjen Robben, who in my mind was a worthy winner. There are few players I watch who can influence a game like Robben. In a Champions League Final, the European Championships, the World Cup Finals, he can just switch it on, and that's why in my opinion he sits behind Ronaldo and Messi as the most influential footballers today.

Here it is then, the 2014 World XI...                                  

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

                                                       

Right back: Sergio Ramos                                                       

Centre back: David Luiz                                                   

Centre back: Thiago Silva                                                          

Left back: Phillip Lahm                                                             

Midfield: Andres Iniesta                                                           

Midfield: Toni Kroos                                                                
Midfield: Angel Di Maria                                                         

Attack: Lionel Messi                                                                 

Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo                                                       

Attack: Arjen Robben             
                                                  

...and what I think it should've been:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

Right back: Philipp Lahm

Centre back: Sergio Ramos

Centre back: Vincent Kompany

Left back: David Alaba

Midfield: Yaya Toure

Midfield: Toni Kroos
Midfield: Angel Di Maria

Attack: Lionel Messi

Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo

Attack: Arjen Robben

So that's what the 2014 World XI probably should've looked like, with what appears to be a gentle bias to a couple more Premier League players, but as a Manchester United fan, it speaks volumes to replace Iniesta with Yaya Toure for his performances last year. As for Kompany over Luiz, there's no argument there. One man who did miss out, James Rodriguez, could at least take home the Puskas awards for best goal, beating female Irish footballer, Stephanie Roche's stunning strike for Peamount United last year. As for the rest of women's football, awards went to Wolfsburg's, Ralf Kellermann, for his coaching of the women's side, as his star player Nadine Kessler walked away with the Women's World Player award.

Nadine Kessler collects her award.

All that to round up a year, and our eyes are already firmly fixed on what's to come in 2015. Early indicators look like Carvajal could be mounting a challenge to Lahm's position of right back and an impressive Chelsea team look like they may have at least one player making the world team by the end of the year. For now it looks like Big Sam and Ronald Koeman could be fighting for a place as best coach, but let's not jump to conclusions, twelve more months to go.