2009 Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi's Historic First Victory
The Ballon d'Or (French for 'Golden Ball') is the most prestigious individual accolade in world football, awarded annually to the best player on the planet as determined by an international panel of sports journalists. On December 1, 2009, in Paris, France, the footballing world witnessed a pivotal moment in sports history when the award was presented by France Football.
The 2009 ceremony marked the beginning of an era, as Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona claimed his first trophy. This victory served as the foundation for a record-setting career that would eventually see him secure eight Ballon d'Or awards.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Winner: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
- Date of Award: December 1, 2009
- Location: Paris, France
- Margin of Victory: 240 points ahead of the runner-up
- Historical Milestone: First Argentine-born player to win since Omar Sívori in 1961 (though Sívori won as an Italian citizen)
A Dominant Performance
Lionel Messi's victory in 2009 was not merely a win, but a landslide. He secured the title with 473 points, establishing a then-record margin of victory. He finished 240 points ahead of the 2008 winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who took second place with 233 points.
The influence of FC Barcelona was evident throughout the rankings. Xavi finished in third place with 170 points, making him the second Barcelona player in the top three. This dominance extended further down the list, with Andrés Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o also securing top-five positions.
Detailed Player Rankings
The 2009 rankings reflected a golden age of football, featuring legendary players from across Europe and South America. While Messi led the pack, the list included icons such as Kaká, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Wayne Rooney.
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Club(s) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona | 473 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Manchester United / Real Madrid | 233 |
| 3 | Xavi | Spain | Barcelona | 170 |
| 4 | Andrés Iniesta | Spain | Barcelona | 149 |
| 5 | Samuel Eto'o | Cameroon | Barcelona / Internazionale | 75 |
| 6 | Kaká | Brazil | Milan / Real Madrid | 58 |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Sweden | Internazionale / Barcelona | 50 |
| 8 | Wayne Rooney | England | Manchester United | 35 |
| 9 | Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | Chelsea | 33 |
| 10 | Steven Gerrard | England | Liverpool | 32 |
| 11 | Fernando Torres | Spain | Liverpool | 22 |
| 12 | Cesc Fàbregas | Spain | Arsenal | 13 |
| 13 | Edin Džeko | Bosnia and Herzegovina | VfL Wolfsburg | 12 |
| 14 | Ryan Giggs | Wales | Manchester United | 11 |
| 15 | Thierry Henry | France | Barcelona | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2009 Ballon d'Or?
Lionel Messi of Barcelona won the 2009 Ballon d'Or, marking the first of his eight career awards.
By how many points did Messi beat Cristiano Ronaldo?
Messi won by a then-record margin of 240 points, finishing with 473 points compared to Ronaldo's 233.
Which other Barcelona players finished in the top five?
Xavi (3rd), Andrés Iniesta (4th), and Samuel Eto'o (5th) all finished in the top five alongside Lionel Messi.
Was Messi the first Argentine to win the award?
He was the first Argentine-born player to win since Omar Sívori in 1961, although Sívori is recognized as having won the award as an Italian player due to his citizenship at the time.
Who presented the award and where was the ceremony held?
The award was presented by France Football in Paris, France, on December 1, 2009.