Today will mark the first time the FIFA World Player of the Year and France Football's Ballon d'Or will merge and become one to recognize the best footballer on the planet. In the consolidation process, FIFA's annual award has also combined the voting process: votes will now be recognized from coaches and captains of international teams - which has always been the norm for the FIFA World Player of the Year - in addition to journalists, who previously voted for France Football's Ballon d'Or.
Poll: Your Vote For The FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010
Since FIFA failed to give the SB Nation Soccer editors, writers, readers and general community well-doers a ballot, the geeks find it appropriate in holding our own little poll to settle matters ourselves. The nominees please.
Three Barcelona players have made the final shortlist, and three very deserved players at that. Spanish internationals Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez and Argentine wiz-kid Lionel Messi round out the three. A quick rundown of the accolades for the former two include a World Cup title with Spain, the 2009-10 La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup (the equivalent to England's FA Community Shield), both with Barcelona.
Messi won both the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or accolades last year and will look to consolidate the two into one trophy this year. His goal scoring for Barcelona has been about as prolific as Ryan Babel is on twitter, but he'll face tough competition from his club teammates.
The actual prize is set to be awarded later today in Zurich, but before then, have your say in the official SB Nation Soccer poll. If you're a Barca hater/Real Madrid supporter, don't recognize brilliance, or have resided under a rock for the past year and don't see a player you feel is deserved, leave your 'write in' in the comments section below for other readers to then make fun of you.
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