Real Madrid's CRISTIANO RONALDO is "officially the world's best player for the
second straight year, as he received the 2014 Ballon d'Or on Monday
night," according to ESPN. The Real Madrid and Portugal forward was awarded FIFA's top
individual honor over Barcelona forward LIONEL MESSI and Bayern Munich
goalkeeper MANUEL NEUER. Ronaldo, 29, "took home the award for the third time in his career,"
after also winning it in '08. He and Messi have been the "only players
to receive the award since then," with the Argentine earning the honor
for four straight years from '09-12. Ronaldo earned 37.66% of the votes, while Messi edged Neuer, 15.76% to 15.72%, for runner-up (ESPN, 1/12).
MESSI SPEAKS OUT: The AFP reported Messi has "shot back angrily" at rumors that he could leave Barcelona after clashing with coach LUIS ENRIQUE and the club's board. Messi said, "I have never demanded anything to ensure that I stay because I have never had any intention of leaving. I have heard it said that my dad has spoken to Chelsea or Manchester City. It is all lies. I have taken this chance to deny it so that everyone knows the truth" (AFP, 1/12).
