FIFA World Player of the Year
The 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year awards took place on 21 December 2009 at the , Zürich, Switzerland. Shortlists of 23 men and 10 women were announced on 30 October 2009. The final five contenders for this year’s FIFA World Player of the Year and FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year awards were announced on 7 December 2009. Lionel Messi was announced as the World Player of the Year with a record points total.