Ballon d'Or 2019 winner blog: Messi beats Van Dijk & Ronaldo for best player award

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/barcelona-star-messi-claims-record-sixth-ballon-dor-ahead-of-van-/xpi0b2foa01l15mj3tgfe3xya" target="_blank">Men's Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi</a> <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/usmwt-star-rapinoe-claims-second-ever-ballon-dor-feminin/4882evw7fbrd1jh1e7wkbt8zo" target="_blank">Women's Ballon d'Or:&nbsp;Megan Rapinoe</a> Kopa Trophy:&nbsp;Matthijs de Ligt&nbsp; Yachine Trophy:&nbsp;Alisson

🌟 Full list of Ballon d'Or 2019 winners

Messi scooped up his sixth Ballon d'Or trophy, finally surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo on five.

10. Riyad Mahrez 9. Bernardo Silva 8. Robert Lewandowski 7. Alisson Becker 6. Kylian Mbappe 5. Mohamed Salah 4. Sadio Mane 3. Cristiano Ronaldo 2. Virgil van Dijk 1. Lionel Messi 🌟

⏱ Top 10 Ballon d'Or nominees, RANKED

Liverpool have four players in the top 10, while Ronaldo finished third.

That's the GOAT argument settled, then. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> BREAKING: Lionel Messi wins the 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/PHmULxJns1">pic.twitter.com/PHmULxJns1</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201600205336002562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

🥇 Messi is crowned Ballon d'Or winner

The Argentina superstar has won his sixth trophy, beating out Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The worthiest winner of the award, especially after her stunning 2019 in which she managed to win the World Cup with the USWNT as well as take a stand against the gender pay gap. "I'm so sad I can't make it there tonight, I was really looking forward to it. It's a bummer," said Rapinoe. "I want to say congratulations to all the other nominees – I can't believe I'm the one winning it. It's been such an incredible year. I want to say a huge thanks to my team-mates, my coaches and the federation. You help me on the pitch as well as off, and thanks for the support to my amazing family and friends. There's not enough thank you or love in the world for everything that you do for me."

🏆 Megan Rapinoe wins Ballon d'Or Feminin trophy

Lucy Bronze finishes in second, and Alex Morgan places third.

What a year for Alisson after scooping up the UCL with Liverpool and Copa America with Brazil! Safe pair of hands. "It's a great honour to be here, with those great players – men's and women's – and great strikers. You always make our life difficult for sure. I just want to thank my family and my wife, who support me everywhere I go, to my parents in Brazil, and to God. I don't feel lucky, I just feel blessed and grateful. I also want to thank my team-mates, to the Liverpool staff." <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/Alissonbecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Alissonbecker</a> wins the first ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yachinetrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yachinetrophy</a>! The best goalkeeper in the world 🧤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/pOnmqLqfgY">pic.twitter.com/pOnmqLqfgY</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201593459527880704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

🧤 Alisson wins Yachine Trophy!

The Liverpool shot-stopper beats out the likes of Manuel Neuer, Marc Andre-ter Stegen, Ederson and Kepa for the top prize.

"It's a big honour to be on such a big stage with so many amazing players," he said.&nbsp; "I want to thank Ajax – the club where I grew up – and my team-mates from there, and my current team-mates. I just want to say to everyone that I am really proud to have achieved this, and that you need to enjoy your evening with so many great players while they're still here." Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix finished in second and third place, respectively. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kopatrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kopatrophy</a> top 3 👇 1st: Matthijs de Ligt 2nd: Jadon Sancho 3rd: Joao Felix<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/kxdnONoL0C">pic.twitter.com/kxdnONoL0C</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201590956576985097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

🎖 De Ligt wins Kopa trophy!

Men’s Ballon d’Or 🏆 2018: Luka Modric&nbsp; 🏆2017: Cristiano Ronaldo 🏆2016: Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp; 🏆2015: Lionel Messi 🏆2014: Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp; 🏆2013: Cristiano Ronaldo 🏆2012: Lionel Messi&nbsp; 🏆2011: Lionel Messi 🏆2010: Lionel Messi Inaugural Women’s Ballon d’Or 🏆2018: Ada Hegerberg

🏅 Ballon d'Or past winners

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Ballon d'Or 2019 top 10 in alphabetical order 👇 Alisson Becker 🇧🇷 Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱 Riyad Mahrez 🇩🇿 Sadio Mane 🇸🇳 Kylian Mbappe 🇫🇷 Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 Mohamed Salah 🇪🇬 Bernardo Silva 🇵🇹 Virgil van Dijk 🇳🇱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/GcJoJvl9xf">pic.twitter.com/GcJoJvl9xf</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201558673694371840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

🏆 Ballon d'Or top 10 ranking

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/ballon-dor-final-rankings-for-all-30-nominees/1xaxeodl79x2v1rv7iydus2s9s" target="_blank">Ballon d'Or: Final rankings for all 30 nominees</a> The final 10 nominees are listed in alphabetical order, of course, with the likes of Hugo Lloris, Kevin De Bruyne, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino not making the top 10 cut. See for yourself whether or not you agree with the list! <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> 2019 rankings 20th: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Dusan Tadic 19th: Trent Alexander-Arnold 18th: Antoine Griezmann 17th: Roberto Firmino 16th: Sergio Aguero 15th: Matthijs de Ligt 14th: Kevin De Bruyne 13th: Eden Hazard 12th: Raheem Sterling 11th: Frenkie de Jong <a href="https://t.co/a6kyPM7Tog">pic.twitter.com/a6kyPM7Tog</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201558138085871617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

💯 Ballon d'Or rankings revealed

France Football have begun to reveal the rankings of their men's shortlist.

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ballon-dor-2019-messi-ronaldo-van-dijk-set-to-head-up-list-of-30-/1ac0k3mdohx5y1rjinc2y98lv3" target="_blank">Ballon d'Or 2019: Messi, Ronaldo &amp; Van Dijk head up list of 30 nominees</a> Men:&nbsp; Sadio Mane, Sergio Aguero, Frenkie de Jong,&nbsp;Hugo Lloris, Dusan Tadic, Kylian Mbappe, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Donny van de Beek, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alisson, Matthijs de Ligt, Karim Benzema, Georginio Wijnaldum, Virgil van Dijk, Bernardo Silva, Son Heung-min, Robert Lewandowski, Roberto Firmino, Lionel Messi, Riyad Mahrez,&nbsp;Kevin De Bruyne, Kalidou Koulibaly, Antoine Griezmann, Mohamed Salah, Eden Hazard, Marquinhos, Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix Women:&nbsp; Sam Kerr, Ellen White, Nilla Fischer, Amandine Henry, Lucy Bronze, Alex Morgan, Vivianne Miedema, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Pernille Harder, Sarah Bouhaddi, Megan Rapinoe, Lieke Martens, Sari van Veenendal, Wendie Renard, Rose Lavelle, Marta, Ada Hegerberg, Kosovare Asllani , Sofia Jakobsson, Tobin Heath

📝 Ballon d'Or full list of nominees

Here are the nominees for the best men & women's players.

What time does the ceremony start?&nbsp; The red carpet part that preambles the official ceremony is set to start at 6:30pm GMT (1:30pm ET), while the ceremony proper is due to begin at 7:30pm GMT (2:30pm ET). Where does the ceremony take place?&nbsp; It will take place at the&nbsp;Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. How can I watch the ceremony?&nbsp; You'll be able to watch the ceremony through France Football's broadcast.

⏰ Ballon d'Or ceremony: What time it starts & how to watch

Here's what you need to know to follow this year's ceremony!

Thanks for sticking with us throughout the coverage of the ceremony, and congratulations again to&nbsp;D̶i̶v̶o̶c̶k̶ ̶O̶r̶i̶g̶i̶&nbsp; &nbsp;Lionel Messi for yet another incredible achievement. Catch you next year!

That's all, folks! 👋🏽

He gives his whereabouts after missing the Ballon d'Or ceremony (he preferred to watch the FA Cup third round draw instead, obviously). "I would have loved to be here with you, but sadly my schedule didn't allow me, bacause I have a game this Wednesday. I congratulate the winner. Next year I'll try to be there and maybe lift the Ballon d'Or!"

🗣Sadio speaks!

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sports and football are not just about winning, they’re also about respect for your teammates and rivals. 🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDOr</a> <a href="https://t.co/0AvmMdrya1">pic.twitter.com/0AvmMdrya1</a> — Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukamodric10/status/1201616960917790723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Luka Modric is classy as ever 👏

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Lionel Messi is still the best footballer in the world 🥇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/TMhCtp9un8">pic.twitter.com/TMhCtp9un8</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201616103811813376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

In case of any doubt...

"I am very proud to have gone this far," said the Netherlands international. "If I see what I have done since last year. Is Messi the best in history? He came to the top and he is here because he is one of the best in the world. Everyone thinks what they want."

🗣 Van Dijk on Messi

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Ballon d'Or once again goes to the greatest player of all time. Football and Barça celebrate another wonderful achievement. Congratulations Leo! <a href="https://t.co/Szqngpl5Vv">https://t.co/Szqngpl5Vv</a> — Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmbartomeu/status/1201607341529092098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Strong words from the Barcelona president! 

"I'm happy to be here. It's good to be there all together," said the Bayern forward. "It's something special to be here, a beautiful experience. To win the Ballon d'Or six times is incredible. He is one of the best players in the world, and surely one of the best players in football history."

🗣 Lewandowski on Messi

😉 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> “So, it was Barca at home and we got this corner...” <a href="https://t.co/itYca25kuv">pic.twitter.com/itYca25kuv</a> — Trent Alexander-Arnold (@trentaa98) <a href="https://twitter.com/trentaa98/status/1201607146477105152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

In news completely unrelated to the Ballon d'Or...

<a href="https://twitter.com/DanEdwardsGoal?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">Daniel Edwards</a> argues that the only injustice tonight is the fact that Messi doesn't have more trophies in his cabinet. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/messi-undeserving-of-sixth-ballon-dor-title-the-only-scandal/a3n1kg68loal14p0rcc0joic6" target="_blank">Read it here.</a>

"Messi undeserving of sixth Ballon d'Or title? The only scandal is that he doesn't have more"

Our Liverpool correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal" target="_blank">Neil Jones</a> has penned a feature about how losing out to Messi is only a small bump in the wider narrative of Liverpool on their most promising title bid yet. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/van-dijk-loses-out-to-messi-for-ballon-dor-but-the-big/n93x7dotesyt14gpx50dkkmnj" target="_blank">Read it here.</a>

"Van Dijk loses out to Messi for Ballon d'Or - but the big prizes are still in the Liverpool defender's sights"

4. Sadio Mane 3. Cristiano Ronaldo 2. Virgil van Dijk 1. Lionel Messi 🏆 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> 2019 rankings 👇 🤩 THE FINAL FOUR 🤩 4th: Sadio Mane 3rd: Cristiano Ronaldo 2nd: Virgil van Dijk 1st: Lionel Messi<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/CH4oBmvrGg">pic.twitter.com/CH4oBmvrGg</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201604470066552833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Top four finalists have been revealed!

"I would like to thank all the journalists to have voted for me, who wanted me to win this prize," Messi said. "Thank you so much to my colleagues from the club, and all my colleagues who have contributed a lot for this prize. It's really amazing." <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> 📸<a href="https://twitter.com/lachainelequipe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lachainelequipe</a> <a href="https://t.co/6DBjTQnmbQ">pic.twitter.com/6DBjTQnmbQ</a> — Get French Football News (@GFFN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1201601864594313216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

"It's really amazing" – Messi

Hugs all around. Are defenders just not made to win this trophy?

Former winner Modric presents Messi with the Ballon d'Or trophy.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Lionel Messi is the first player in history to win the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> SIX times 🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/zqbwvy9luS">pic.twitter.com/zqbwvy9luS</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201601127487299586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

The one, the only 🐐

Because even all superstars need to sit at some point.

Drogba is congratulating Messi on his sixth Ballon d'Or win by... offering him a seat on the chair on the stage.

#JUSTICEFORDIVOCKORIGI

Messi is the first ever player to win the Ballon d'Or six times.

Lionel Messi on six, Cristiano Ronaldo on five.

... DIVOCK ORIGI!!! Kidding.

The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner is...

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> 👏🏼 🧤 <a href="https://twitter.com/Alissonbecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Alissonbecker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yacinetrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yacinetrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/UF4GgqGVw3">https://t.co/UF4GgqGVw3</a> — Hope Solo (@hopesolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/hopesolo/status/1201598254879821827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

From one goalkeeper to another 💪

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> We're down to the final four! 👀 Alisson Becker ❌ Robert Lewandowski ❌ Riyad Mahrez ❌ Sadio Mane ✅ Kylian Mbappe ❌ Lionel Messi ✅ Cristiano Ronaldo ✅ Mohamed Salah ❌ Bernardo Silva ❌ Virgil van Dijk ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2nqv1viro">https://t.co/Y2nqv1viro</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201596627733155841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Down to the last four...

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> BREAKING: Megan Rapinoe wins the 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/gTaHUyOv8Z">pic.twitter.com/gTaHUyOv8Z</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201595428132806658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Unstoppable 🔥

Alisson is in seventh, Mbappe finishes sixth and Salah places fifth. Not long until the final four 👀

More rankings revealed...

... as he is probably the last player most goalkeepers would want to come across! Jokes as Didier Drogba teases Lewy about stealing the limelight. All in good fun.

Naturally, Robert Lewandowski is brought on to announce the Yachine Trophy...

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> A picture to remember! <a href="https://twitter.com/SandyHeribert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandyHeribert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KMbappe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KMbappe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/didierdrogba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@didierdrogba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/bgzJpfqLBk">pic.twitter.com/bgzJpfqLBk</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201591215352958977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center> <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> If only Bradley's arm was longer. Best photo ever. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oscars</a> <a href="http://t.co/C9U5NOtGap">pic.twitter.com/C9U5NOtGap</a> — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/440322224407314432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Better than Ellen's Oscar selfie?

Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or in 1963 with&nbsp;Dynamo Moscow.

Introducing the Yachine trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.

Riyad Mahrez finishes in 10th, Bernardo Silva is in ninth and Robert Lewandowski places 10th. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> 2019 rankings 👇 10th: Riyad Mahrez 9th: Bernardo Silva 8th: Robert Lewandowski<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/U8ApY8GVG2">pic.twitter.com/U8ApY8GVG2</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201590167678701568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

The top 10 rankings are starting to be unveiled!

That boy turned out to be Kylian Mbappe. No, we are not joking. So they did the next best thing and did a selfie – which, as we all know, is the 2019 equivalent of an autograph. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Selfie time! 🤳 EVERYBODY PLEASE STAND UP! 🙌🙌🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/IKzPXRQDGS">pic.twitter.com/IKzPXRQDGS</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201587761297399814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Sweet moment there as Drogba recounts a moment where he refused an autograph to a young footballer in 2009.

Welcome Luka Modric, Ada Hegerberg and Kylian Mbappe!

Applause as last year's winners take the stage!

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Mbappé 😁😁😁 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/JiIWubUVJe">pic.twitter.com/JiIWubUVJe</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201581584677249024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Popular isn't he, that Kylian?

Liverpool have just drawn Everton in the FA Cup. Popcorn, please.

In non-Ballon d'Or news...

Surely there should be a place for VAR in here? (Ha ha ha. Sorry.)

Still going through all the nominees.

They're doing highlight reels of each nominee's most memorable moments this past year. Obviously Trent Alexander-Arnold's was the quick corner.

Loads of dramatic music.

Now it's just four more hours until the actual winner is announced!

FIN! That's the red carpet over!

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> OL girls! <a href="https://twitter.com/OLfeminin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OLfeminin</a> 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/3AvDv5Ga5j">pic.twitter.com/3AvDv5Ga5j</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201575508611387394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

💪

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> FOUR Liverpool players make the Ballon d’Or 2019 top 10 🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/90aOWCUlFE">pic.twitter.com/90aOWCUlFE</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201561224590311424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Liverpool have an amazing *seven* players up for the award, and another four in the top 10!

DIVOCK ORIGI! Just kidding. They're for Kylian Mbappe.

The loud cheers welcoming the latest red carpet arrival can only be for one person...

Has someone told him about the fact that he's the only Ballon d'Or winner to not be nominated the following year? 😬&nbsp; <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The 2018 Ballon d'Or Winner is here! Luka Modric 👋 👋 👋 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/bI9WgjnycB">pic.twitter.com/bI9WgjnycB</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201576234033000448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Modric is here!

Thiago Messi's face (left) is everything re: red carpets.

Here are the nominees: - Alisson (Liverpool and Brazil) - Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) - Ederson (Manchester City and Brazil) - Andre Onana (Ajax and Cameroon) - Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus and Poland) - Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid and Slovenia) - Kepa (Chelsea and Spain) - Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan and Slovenia) - Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur and France) - Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona and Germany)

🧤 2019 Yachine Trophy nominees

There's a new trophy this year – the Yachine Trophy – that honours the very best goalkeepers in the game.

Understandably he doesn't want to miss the FA Cup third round draw being made.

Word is that Sadio Mane isn't going to be attending the ceremony tonight.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Messi and his family! 😍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/YeKPaYGffN">pic.twitter.com/YeKPaYGffN</a> — #BallondOr (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1201571019267493888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

🎶 We all dream of a team of Messis 🎶

1. Roberto Firmino’s offside armpit. 2. VAR. Near, VAR, wherever you are. 3. Liverpool ballboy. "Corner taken quickly..." 4. Tottenham ballboy. The Liverpool ballboy walked so the Tottenham ballboy could run. 5. Whoever decided&nbsp;£80 million was an appropriate fee to pay for Harry Maguire. 6. Colleen Rooney, aka Wagatha Christie. When people talk about part of the magic of football being that it is wholly unscripted, they’re talking about this. 7. Mike Dean in the stands celebrating Tranmere Rovers’ promotion. 8. Divock Origi.

 Presenting the nominees for the 2019 Alternative Ballon d’Or awards.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Virgil van Dijk is here! 🔴 And he has a lot of fans 🤣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/WvyGSuVNR3">pic.twitter.com/WvyGSuVNR3</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201570431637098496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Big Virg in the house 😍

Modric was the first non-Messi/Ronaldo Ballon d'Or winner in a decade last year, and Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is a frontrunner to pull another upset. The Netherlands international was crowned UEFA's player of the year, but lost out to Lionel Messi in FIFA's The Best awards. Van Dijk had a stunning year in which he won the UCL and finished second in the league with Liverpool, while Messi picked up the Golden Shoe and won La Liga with Barcelona. Read our piece on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/who-will-win-ballon-dor-2019-van-dijk-messi-ronaldo-the/jkt4aog2pk581c4ktxzh8t9yo" target="_blank">this year's Ballon d'Or favourites, underdogs and outsiders</a>. We still maintain Divock Origi deserves a nod.

🌟 Ballon d'Or 2019 favourites

Luke Modric broke the Ronaldo/Messi duality last year, but could the same happen tonight?

He looks very dashing. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Robert LewanGOALski has arrived 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> <a href="https://t.co/5hvkJRav6P">pic.twitter.com/5hvkJRav6P</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1201564392527151104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Lewandowski is the first to arrive at the ceremony's red carpet!

We're back for another round of the esteemed awards ceremony that only recognises the very best in football. Luka Modric is the defending winner of last year's men's award, but he isn't up for nomination this year – the first time that a Ballon d'Or winner hasn't been nominated for the following year's bracket. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/who-will-win-ballon-dor-2019-van-dijk-messi-ronaldo-the/jkt4aog2pk581c4ktxzh8t9yo" target="_blank">Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are perennial favourites once again, however, though Virgil van Dijk could very well pip the duo to the top prize.</a> So sit back, relax, grab a cuppa and follow along as the rest of the evening unfolds, starting with red carpet shenanigans and more!

Hello and welcome to our 2019 Ballon d'Or ceremony live blog coverage!

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Ballon d'Or 2019 winner blog: Messi beats Van Dijk & Ronaldo for best player award | Goal.com South Africa

Welcome to Goal&apos;s live blog of this year&apos;s Ballon d&apos;Or ceremony, where football&apos;s elite come together to be crowned the best in the game