The IFFHS announced the results yesterday, with Messiwinning this coveted title for the second time in his career, beating out the likes of Andres Iniesta and Toni Kroos.
This award is determined by votes cast by 56 nations across five continents. Messi, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, took home the trophy this year with a whopping 172 points. With 66 points, his colleague Iniesta came in second, followed by Toni Kroos with 45 points.
With 39 points, Mesut Ozil of Arsenal was the highest-ranked Premier League player. Riyadh Mahrez and Dimitri Payet were unexpected choices, as the two were rewarded for their outstanding club performances. Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2016 Ballon d'Or winner, does not appear on this list since he did not get a single point from the voters.
- Lionel Messi (ARG/FC Barcelona) is the leader with 172 points.
- Andrés Iniesta (Spain/FC Barcelona) is ranked second with 66 points.
- Toni Kroos (GER/Real Madrid CF) is ranked third in the world. 45 points.