Messi beats Ronaldo to be named IFFHS Player of the Decade

Lionel Messi has been named as the IFFHS Player of the Decade, beating Cristiano Ronaldo to the award.

The members of the International Federation of Football History (IFFHS) – which spans 150 countries – voted for the best players in the world from 2011 to 2020.

Barcelona legend Messi received the most votes, narrowly beating ex-Real Madrid and current Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair have been rivals for the best part of the last 15 years, sharing 11 Ballons d’Or between them.

They have faced off numerous times in Clasico clashes and one of football’s big debates has been which of the two superstars is the better footballer.

Spanish icon Andres Iniesta completed the podium after enjoying record-breaking success alongside Messi.

Another ex-Barcelona star Neymar finished in fourth and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was in fifth, having won four Champions League titles during the decade in question.

The next two places were taken by Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Robert Lewandowski, with 43-year-old Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon the oldest player in the list in eighth position.

In ninth was evergreen AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric completing the top 10.

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Lionel Messi

N/A

Cristiano Ronaldo

N/A

Iniesta

N/A

Neymar Jr

N/A

Manuel Neuer

80

Robert Lewandowski

82

Sergio Ramos

66

Gianluigi Buffon

N/A

Luka Modrić

85

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

N/A

Barcelona

93

Real Madrid

91

Juventus

77

Bayern

99

PSG

91

La Liga Serie A Ligue 1 Bundesliga