Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Vidic and Evra make FIFA/FIFPro XI
UNITED defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have been named in the prestigious FIFA/FIFPro World XI, while Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been crowned the World Player of the Year. England's John Terry and Steven Gerrard were also selected in the XI, voted for by fellow professionals, as was Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and former Red Cristiano Ronaldo. It is the first time Messi has won the award, which last year went to Ronaldo, as he came top of the poll voted for by coaches and captains of each national side ahead of Barca team-mates Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Real Madrid's Kaka. "I'm extremely happy," said Messi, who helped Barcelona to Champions League final victory over United in May. "We've just ended an historic year, a perfect year in which we've won every competition we've played in. It's amazing." Ronaldo won the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal of the 2008/09 season - his long-range thunderbolt for United against Porto in the Champions League in April. Brazilian player Marta won the FIFA women's player of the year award for the fourth year in a row. And England's Kelly Smith, who left Arsenal to play in the new USA's new Women's Professional Soccer league for Boston Breakers earlier this year, was named amongst the top five. "This is a real honour for me," said Smith. The FIFA/ FIFPro World XI:Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Liverpool). What do you think of the selection? Have your say.
