FIFA Ballon d’Or awards will honor Barcelona, snub everyone else

FIFA announced the Ballon d’Or finalists for all categories on Monday, and it’s pretty much what you’d expect. Lionel Messi, who will win the men’s player of the year award easily, is joined by Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as finalists. And since we know who’s winning anyway, we ask: where are Thomas Müller and Leo Bonucci? Can’t we throw the best players who aren’t volume goal-scorers some recognition? They probably won’t even make the FIFA best XI.

Luis Enrique’s the favorite for men’s coach of the year, while you can expect Carli Lloyd and Jill Ellis to sweep the women’s awards. However, Lloyd was outrageously snubbed from the goal of the year shortlist, so you should refuse to vote for the Puskas Award out of protest.

The end of Inter-Napoli was absurd. (r/soccer)

Messi threw some shade at Ronaldo, saying Luis Suarez should have been a Ballon d’Or finalist. (Telegraph)

Manchester City’s owners sold 13 percent of the club at a £2 billion valuation. (BBC)

Just about the entire Venezuelan national team has quit due to a dispute with the coaching staff and FA. (EFE)

Chelsea has submitted planning approval for their 60,000-seat Stamford Bridge makeover. (Chelsea FC)

France’s prime minister has Karim Benzema takes. (Mirror)

Miriti Murungi on England looking past Jamie Vardy’s racism. (Soccer Gods)

James Yorke asks if Swansea should sack Garry Monk. (Stats Bomb)

Tony Evans on Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s injury problems and how common it is for players to play hurt. (ESPN FC)

Lost in that chaotic clip above: Napoli are top of Serie A with their win over Inter. (The Siren’s Song)

League Cup: 3 games (2:45 p.m.) -- Man City vs. Hull is the game most get on TV.

Copa del Rey: 2 games (from 2 p.m.) -- Atleti take on lower-division opposition Reus Deportiu, which is a cool opportunity to see their slew of great, young bench players.