END OF 2017 AWARDS WRAP UP
FIFA AWARDS
Ballon D'Or: Lionel Messi
1st: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2nd: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
3rd: Rogerio (Inter Milan)
Astonishingly, the now 30 year old FC Barcelona superstar named Lionel Messi has taken home his record
ninth straight FIFA Ballon D'Or prize, winning on every single occasion since 2009. The magical Argentinian attacker was followed closely by his countryman, Kun Aguero, who enjoyed a stellar season for a distinctly average Manchester City side. Inter Milan's Brazilian starlet Rogerio, who broke out in Europe with Benfica last season, came in a distant third.
This is the first time in history that the top 3 players in the world, according to this gala, have all been South American.
Golden Boy: Emerson Luiz
1st: Emerson Luiz (Inter Milan)
For the second time in three years, an Inter Milan youth star from Brazil has taken home the Golden Boy prize. In 2015, Ademilson took home the prestigious award, and this year his compatriot Emerson Luiz takes home the prize. The 21 year old center back has created a commanding partnership with Andrea Ranocchia at the heart of the Nerazzurri's defense, and scored both goals in Inter's last minute comeback in the Champions League final against Arsenal.
Interestingly, four of the last five Golden Boy winners have been Brazilian; Neymar, Rafinha, Ademilson, and now Emerson Luiz.
Team of the Year
A good mix of players have been picked for this year's World XI. Two from England, two from Germany, three from Spain, three from Italy, and even Alex Sandro from Portugal. Each and every one of these players enjoyed outstanding seasons with their respective clubs, and the mix of clubs and leagues shows just how even the playing field is between the big leagues of Europe.
Curiously, the dominant trend of only European players making the XI has continued this season, with every single player being based out of one of the top six leagues in the continent.
SERIE A AWARDS
Fans' Player of the Year: Rogerio
1st: Rogerio (Inter Milan)
Voted by the wonderful fans of the Italian league, Inter Milan's mercurial midfielder Rogerio, who finished third in the FIFA Ballon D'Or voting, has taken home this accolade. Having scored 5 goals in 13 appearances in Serie A since making the switch to Inter Milan last summer from Benfica for €62M, Rogerio has been a standout performer and deserves to win this award.
This is the second year in a row an Inter Milan player has won the award, with Andrea Ranocchia winning it last year. Before him, Juventus center back Leonardo Bonucci had won thrice in a row.
Young Player of the Year: Emerson Luiz
1st: Emerson Luiz (Inter Milan)
2nd: Raheem Sterling (Inter Milan)
3rd: Ademilson (Inter Milan)
Emerson Luiz continues his collection of accolades with the Serie A version of Young Player of the Year. The Inter Milan defender, as previously stated, had a great season, and was a shoe-in to bring home this award. English winger Raheem Sterling manages to nab second place, and Ademilson takes third, all three of the lads Inter Milan players.
Never before in history have three players from a single club finished in the top 3 of this award.