Germany internationals Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos as well as Philipp Lahm, who retired from international football after the World Cup, have been selected for the FIFPro World XI 2014, which is voted for by their peers. The players were honoured at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala in Zurich. Bundesliga star Arjen Robben (Bayern München) was also selected.
FIFA’s Team of the Year:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Bayern München)
Defence: Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), David Luiz (Brazil/Paris St. Germain), Thiago Silva (Brazil/Paris St. Germain)
Midfield: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Andrés Iniesta (Spain/FC Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Argentina/Manchester United)
Attack: Lionel Messi (Argentina/FC Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Arjen Robben (Netherlands/Bayern München)
Japan's Kagawa wins the FIFA Presidential Award
Japanese journalist Hiroshi Kagawa received the FIFA Presidential Award for his services to football. The 90-year-old was the oldest active journalist at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He received his prize from FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
Volunteers win the Fair Play Award
Volunteers at the biggest football tournaments in the world received the FIFA Fair Award. FIFA honoured them after their support helped big events go successfully. FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke said that without such people, it would be impossible to host a big tournament.
Rodriguez wins the Puskás Award
World Cup golden boot winner James Rodriguez picked up the Puskás Award on Monday evening in Zurich. The volley he scored against Uruguay during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was voted the Goal of the Year.
