Leo Messi was thus the runner-up as he was in 2007, when he finished behind Kaká and in front of this year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Just before the winner was announced the Argentine said it was “great” to be in Zurich for the second year running. Messi received top marks from 76 coaches and captains, while 136 opted for Ronaldo. Xavi: “All Europe is enjoying watching Barça” It was Xavi’s first appearance at the FIFA gala and he was pleased to be there, something he thanked his team-mates for. “All Europe is enjoying watching Barça play,” he said. Xavi came third in terms of maximum scores with 22 as the world’s best player in 2008, behind Ronaldo and Messi. Click here to view the votes cast by captains and coaches.

Photos: FIFA/FOTO-NET.
The classification
Cristiano Ronaldo (935 points) Leo Messi (678) Fernando Torres (203) Kaká (183) Xavi Hernández (155)