FC BARCELONA

There has been an increase of 24% in the number of visitors and of 59% in turnover with respect to 2010. A total of 1,626,990 people visited the Camp Nou Experience last year. The Barça Museum is the third most visited in all of Spain.

2011 was the best year ever for the FC Barcelona Museum. The figures were astounding, with a massive increase of 24% in the number of visitors and of 59% in turnover with respect to 2010.

A total of 1,626,990 people visited the Camp Nou Experience last year, the combined name for the Stadium Tour, the Museum and the multimedia space. That's the highest figure in the 27 years of the Museum's history, and which beats the previous record of 1,397,574 visitors in 2007.

That means that Barça Museum is the third most visited in all of Spain, only behind The Prado (2,911,767) and the Reina Sofía (2,705,529). In Catalonia, it is still ahead of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona and Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.

Busiest month July

As usual, it was in summer that the visitors were most intense. The highest attendance in 2010 was July with 271,992 visitors. On just one day, July 14, there were an amazing 13,659 visitors, the most visitors the Museum has ever had on a single day.

This figures reflect the growth detected at the Museu President Núñez last year, when visits rose by 20%. 2010 was the year that the facilities were modernised and transformed with the establishment of the Camp Nou Experience, a new route around the stadium that allows visitors to discover, experience and thrill with Barça, its players and its historic achievements.

The improvements to the Museum have continued in 2011. There is a special display of the 16 titles won in the 2010/11 season by the football teams and the other professional sports teams. More space has also been dedicated to the Foundation on the first floor. An audiovisual display is the main attraction here, which explores the values promoted by the Foundation through its alliances, programmes and campaigns in Catalonia and around the world.

The new items for 2011 also include a section dedicated to the Barça players that have won the Ballon d'Or, with special attention given to Leo Messi. Much of the audiovisual and multimedia content has also been updated, with specially dedicated videos to the achievements of the Guardiola era.

Free for members

Entrance to the Camp Nou Experience, which includes the Stadium Tour, the Museum and the multimedia space, is free for FC Barcelona members. The general public pay 22 euros, while the cost is just 16.50 euros for members of supporters clubs, students, OAPs, numerous families and children (6-13 years). Children under 5 get in for free. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The Japanese club, led by FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 winner Homare Sawa, and the FC Barcelona ladies team were both at today’s first team training session. Xavi Hernàndez presented an FC Barcelona shirt to a thrilled Homare Sawa.

The INAC Kobe Leonessa ladies are about to leave Barcelona. The Japanese league champions have seven World Cup winners in their squad, including the great Homare Sawa, and one of the last items on their itinerary was a visit to an FC Barcelona training session this morning at Sant Joan Despí.

The FC Barcelona ladies team, who they played last Thursday in the Miniestadi, were also there with them, and the two groups of women welcomed the Barça players onto pitch number 2 with an improvised guard of honour.

There were plenty of cameras flashing and autographs being signed, and 2011 Ballon d'Or winner Homare Sawa got the chance to meet her favourite player, Xavi Hernàndez, who she had described earlier this week as "a player I like a lot, he has great control of the ball and a brilliant final pass. He is very important for his team even though he is neither a big nor strong player. He's marvellous". Sawa gave a chocolate Ballon d'Or to the Catalan star, who returned the gesture by presenting her with a specially dedicated Barça shirt. It was a wonderful surprise for the best female player in the world, and one she will surely never forget.

The INAC Kobe Leonessa and FC Barcelona players then posed for a group picture with Guardiola's squad before watching the best team on the planet train. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The best footballer in the world, Homare Sawa of Japan, whom the world compares with Leo Messi, Barca fans pleaded and, especially, midfielder Xavi Hernandez pointed to as a reference.

Sawa coincided so much with Leo Messi as with Xavi in the Ballon d'Or gala in Zúrich, where she and the Argentinean were distinguished with the trophy that credits them like best footballers of the planet in 2011.

The Nippon is on tour in Barcelona with her team, the INAC Kobe Leonessa, and tomorrow will face Barcelona in a friendly female whose profits will go to earthquake victims in Japan.

"Xavi is a player I like a lot, because he has arrived, much control of the ball and the last pass. He is very important for his team, and is not a physically large and powerful player. It's wonderful," answered when Sawa asked about her favorite player.

Japan has become a celebrity in her country since he led her team to World Champion, being best player and top scorer of the World, and for these reasons are continuous comparisons with Leo Messi.

Sawa, however, refuses to be measured with the talented Argentine player, despite its recent rise in popularity and carry 80 goals for her country.

I am not by no means to their height. It is true that I was in the ceremony of the Ballon d'Or with him, but I am not able to be at their level, by no means", has declared in a press conference before the tomorrow's game.

The midfielder herself has abounded in her admiration for the game Barca team that recently saw live in Japan, when Josep Guardiola took the Club World Cup against the Santos.

"It is difficult to define in words the Barca game. Of course I see the games on TV and I saw him live at the World Cup. Her game is joy, make people happy. For me it is difficult to describe football , how good it is, "he stated.

Her coach, Japan's Kei Hoshikawa, has gone further and said "love" the game of Barça. So when in doubt about who the best coach in the world, with the duality Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, has not hesitated to Nippon respond.

"The two are both very good coaches, but in football, besides winning, I like to play well. So I think that Guardiola is the best coach," he said.

Sawa can not cope or Xavi or Messi on the pitch, but will have the chance to make huge flashes of quality Mini Stadium against Barca female in a game that has raised great expectations in their country of origin.

Her "Visca el Barça" at the end of the conference has demonstrated the enthusiasm with which the Asian players face this match. (via SPORT)

Jose Mourinho recalled yesterday in the press room of Valdebebas an incident from last season to try to justify to Pepe for his stomp on Leo Messi in the clásico last Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. "I have not seen you dudarais last season of a player who was racist and he said no. All the people believed it was true, including UEFA," the Portuguese coach said when reporters pressed him with their questions so for Pepe . The message launched Mourinho had a clear target: Sergio Busquets, who is said, judging by some pictures taken by Real Madrid TV, he had called "mono" Marcelo in the first leg of the semifinals of last Champions.

However, despite an insult by Busquets and would have no justification if it is established that you said, Mourinho could not have picked a worse example to try to wash the image of his protege Pepe. It turns out that the central Portuguese, wood, dividing right and left-Casquero, Xavi Torres, Alves and Messi are some of his famous victims, is also capable of offending the opponent with such a disqualification. Pepe also called "mono" Seydou Keita in the first leg of the Supercopa of Spain held on 14 August at the Santiago Bernabeu, a match that ended 2-2.

Although Busquets contrast with the cameras did not capture Marcelo image, Barca midfielder, currently dominated by Mali to play the African Nations Cup was the first insult amaze by Luso. Keita is still expletive crosses dedicated to him Pepe, mainly because if you want to offend with that insult, hardly going to make it a player like him is light.

Not prone to react angrily, as not in their character, Pepe got that day aroused Keita. And not because he insulted because Barca eventually understand that's part of football and a player's strategy to try to decentralize its rival, but by the inappropriate expletive he chose to insult him. Without doubt, one more detail that explains Pepe shorts have in your head when responding to how you react. (via MD)

Alves, Piqué, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi are the five FC Barcelona players that have been named to UEFA.com’s ideal team. Josep Guardiola was voted best manager. Barça is the club with the most representatives in the team, more than 4.5 million votes were cast by the website’s users.

FC Barcelona racks up yet another success. Five men from the team led by Josep Guardiola were named to UEFA.com’s ideal team by users of the site. Alves, Piqué, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi were named to the team along with Casillas, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Robben, Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Guardiola was named the best manager of the year, an award he also won in 2009. More than 4.5 million votes were cast.

It’s worth mentioning that eight Barça players, and Guardiola, were nominated to be part of the squad - only Valdés, Mascherano and Abidal didn’t make the team. The nominees were selected by the UEFA.com editors.

This is the fourth consecutive time that Xavi and Messi have been named to the team, while it’s Iniesta’s third and Piqué’s second. This is Alves’ second appearance in the UEFA.com squad, however, his first time was when he was a Seville player. (via FCBarcelona.cat)


[Barça players in UEFA.com's team]
2010: Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi
2009: Dani Alves, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the manager Josep Guardiola
2008: Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Leo Messi
2007: Éric Abidal
2006: Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and the manager Frank Rijkaard
2005: Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o
2004: Ronaldinho
2003: /
2002: Carles Puyol
2001: Patrik Andersson

The World Number One, Lionel Messi, was given a rousing reception by the Camp Nou faithful when he came onto the pitch before the Betis game with the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy he won for the third year running in Zurich last week.

The rest of the squad then presented their Club World Cup trophy won in Japan in December to the fans who showed their appreciation with a series of banners and chants from the terraces.

The players also showed their support for their injured teammate Andreu Fontàs, wearing T-Shirts bearing the legend 'Força i ànims Andreu!' (Stay strong and we support you Andreu!) (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Leo not ready to stop after winning his third Ballon d'Or and wants to further enlarge his legend.
"Every day is more difficult but I have no right to relax", is the genius of Barca.

The best player that lives on the earth's crust opened the doors of his house to the magazine France Football days after receiving her third Ballon d'Or. After posing for a spectacular photo session with his endless collection of trophies, Leo Messi left clear in an interview with Vincent Machenaud what motivates him most with a ball at his feet privileged: "Win, win and win." The Argentine genius confesses the reason for his extraordinary and prolonged performance: "I can say I'm obsessed with victory." This is the sentence of four days Messi just another visit to an already trembles Bernabeu just hearing his name.

In 24 years, the youngest in history to win three Ballon d'Or, also recognizes that traveled to Zurich on Monday, "ready to be chosen and not written a speech but thought you knew what to say about Xavi and my mates, "as advanced MD days earlier. Terrassa is precisely the favorites and Andres Iniesta in 2012 if it does not fall: "I would love to go to them. In any case to stay in the club." Messi admits that winning the World Brasi motivates him that the next two Ballon d'Or,s' win in 2014 would be the best! The end of the end! Would mean that Argentina is world champion. I am willing to give up the distinction for two years to be world champion, "said Messi, aware of his great unfinished business without giving up at all to continue to add titles and victories with Barça.

Leo, who has scored in five of the last six visits to the Bernabeu, is proud of the team where he plays: "I have the luck to be in an unusual costume, with great players and very good people." Of course, who comes to meet accused of having more authority than Pep Guardiola: "I think a lack of respect for him, who has won everything and a technician so fundamental to our success as he accompanied us to the top . It is all false. I have no influence.'m a player like the others. "

Messi sets itself apart from the label of 'killer' (Matador) Michel Platini gave him: "It seems a bit aggressive.'d Rather talk about mental strength, because we must work to keep up. Every day is harder and the competition is more and more difficult. " So assume the normality of the criticism. "If the derby was my worst game of the season? Yes, it was the first," he said before admitting: "It is clear that I was not at my best." That yes, he is the one most requires: "I'm not a machine. Sometimes I have small bumps. Fortunately. I have no right to relax and I must return to currármelo". So it is the largest. The number one

Awarded best performance of the year
Leo Messi is not enough. The crash ended the year 2011 leading the Castrol EDGE Ranking, a new award that was erected in the player with the highest performance of European football beating Mario Gomez, Karim Benzema, Robin van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo. Leo, with 31 goals in 35 league games from January to December, scored more points (1,097) than anyone. Gomez was in 1026. Piqué (7º), Abidal (8º), Iniesta (11º), Alves (12º) and Cesc (17º) they also figure in the current one 'top 20'. The Castrol Ranking takes into account the difficulty of each league, minutes played and all actions during games. (via MD)

The Argentine praised the qualities of his friend and team mate and said it is 'worthy winner' of the FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Gaby Milito smiles again. His departure from Barcelona to return to the Independent , the team of his birth, has returned to top level football.

The Argentine, fully immersed in the preseason, he had time to talk about his team-mate, the Barca Messi . Only good words for which to many is the best footballer of the moment.

Current champion of FIFA Ballon d'Or, Messi has been won to pulse to equal Michel Platini, with his third serial reward. "There is one that stands out, which is Leo . It is fair winner. As long way, always going to win it, "said Milito .

Fifty-nine games, one goal and ten titles as Barca. Gaby Milito has been hard for Barca , but the lack of minutes he was forced to leave the team to return to Independiente. "It was a long time since I had the continuity in this tournament. I needed to have it, out of Barca , which was not an easy decision. I was looking for a competitive rate, which in recent seasons could not have, "said a Milito did not hesitate to add that back to their origins has always been his desire. "It was always in my head the fact of returning, I am not sorry."

'El Mariscal(The Marshal)', who trains for several days in Chapadmalal, looks forward to starting the Champions Argentina. (via MD)

Barça, after winning the award in 2007 and 2009, was named the best club in the world in 2011 and beat out Real Madrid and Vélez Sarsfield, second and third, respectively.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has published its annual worldwide club ranking for 2011, FC Barcelona, after finishing the year with a handful of titles, has finished first. After top place finishes in 2007 and 2009, this is the third time Barça has topped the IFFHS ranking. The team finished with 367 points, quite a bit more than the second place finisher, Real Madrid (312 points), and third, Veléz Sarsfield (271 points).

Barça’s 367 points are the third highest mark ever awarded to a team since the IFFHS started giving out the award in 1991. Only Juventus in 1993 (with 5.5 more points) and AC Milan in 1995 (with only half a point more) achieved more points than Guardiola’s men. At the time Juventus and AC Milan topped the list, however, Serie A was the dominant league in the world. Therefore the Italian teams received five points per victory as opposed to four currently awarded to current-day teams. With that in mind, the points awarded in 2011 to Barça single the team out as the best in the world.

Furthermore, Barça also finished atop the IFFHS ranking as the best team in December. FC Barcelona didn’t lose a single game that month. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

[The Top 10 of 2011]
1. FC Barcelona (ESP) 367,0
2. Reial Madrid (ESP) 312,0
3. Vélez Sarsfield (ARG) 271,0
4. Manchester United (ENG) 270,0
5. Manchester City (ENG) 239,0
6. Santos (BRA) 238,0
7. Universidad de Chile (XI) 235,5
8. Benfica (POR) 235,0.
9. Porto (POR) 231,0
10. Universidad Católica (XI) 230,0

"Messi is an immeasurable talent. He has shown the whole world".

The honorary president of Real Madrid , Di Stefano, had been characterized so far by the estate would always have to preside at the White House, hence his recent remarks surprised.

Di Stefano has praised the play of Barca , but has downplayed the success of Leo to achieve the three gold balls in a row with these words: "What do I care that Leo Messi has three Ballon d'Ors? I have two, and one is 25 years. It is a merit of all partners. is given for winning games, but do not think that one wins the game. " Some statements made ​​after the presentation of the Advisory Board of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) is part of that.

A tone somewhat surprising, since Di Stefano always had words of praise to Leo, who went on to say that he delighted with his goals, "as long as the check is not to Madrid", and "has a immeasurable talent. He has demonstrated to the world. "

Di Stefano has refused to comment on the potential to enter the crossing of the Copa del Rey that might bring back two great classics, but it has been suggested that the public understands the whistles to Cristiano Ronaldo , "because the public has the right to what you want because it is paid. always right and what you want is the effort of player. "

Messi has a Ballon d'Or more than Di Stefano. The honorary president of Real Madrid, born in Barry (Argentina) won two Ballon d'Or the years 1957 and 1959 , for three consecutive Leo Messi has achieved. Of course, both are the only Argentine players who have achieved this distinction, since Diego Maradona never got it. (via MD)

Ronaldo was admitted madridista but he is discovered before the culés and he believes that Neymar can be "better than Messi".

Leo Messi dominated world football today as a decade ago and something else was Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima . Marveled by the game azulgrana, the ex-forward of Barça (1996-97) and Real Madrid (2002-06) was main character the day before yesterday in the Elegance from FIFA Ballon d'Or to the being the one in charge of liberating Messi the reward that he was taken had left double (1997 and 2002).

Earlier, when he walked quietly from the Hotel Park Hyatt Kongresshaus was hunted by MD, who attended with great kindness discovered the Barca football Leo Messi and leaving clouds Neymar fellow. The 'Phenomenon' is sincere aside your vein 'merengue'. "Although I am of Madrid, this Barca is the best team in history or at least the best I've seen in my 35 years of life, "said Ronaldo, who has only seen another set like it. "Brazil with which we win the World Cup in 2002 gave the same sensation of solvency and power to win the match and when he wanted, "he argued.

Asked if Messi can be the best footballer of all time, was cautious and recalled the great unfinished business of Argentina: "You have to see what are the criteria for assessing whether it can be the best ever. Now he's winning all the trophies every year but lacks a major title at the level of selection. " Much more will be let go at the name of Neymar, the star Ronaldo who carries some advertising contracts. "It can be better than Messi," predicted former striker, once contacted by Florentino Pérez to convince Neymar ahead of his landing at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo, also good friend of Sandro Rosell , did not get wet yesterday in Zurich . "Clearly we must come to Europe. Barca or Madrid? I think either would suit their strengths," he said. (via MD)

From 2008 he goes every January to Zúrich.

Michael Platini, UEFA president, said after the gala in Zurich that "football is indebted to Xavi." The former winner of 1982-84 three Ballon d'Or believes that Barcelona midfielder has sufficient merit, but exceed the figure of Leo Messi seems to do the almost impossible mission.

Barcelona captain's gala travels to FIFA since 2008, but was never able to lift the trophy winner. In his first appearance was ranked fifth (97 votes), where the victor Cristiano Ronaldo. The following year, climbed to third place (170), while in 2010 added the 16.48 percent of the vote, leaving behind Messi and Iniesta. On Monday, rose again the third step, behind Messi and Cristiano, taking the 9.23 of the vote.

Since took the first team (season 1998-99), Xavi has been instrumental in making six Ballon d'Or In his first season in 1999, saw Rivaldo earned it. Figo picked him up in 2000 in Madrid, but he played half the year at the club. Xavi directly contributed to the success of Ronaldinho in 2005 (10 assists this season) and accumulates three consecutive Leo Messi, which is associated with a sensational way. (via AS)

Jorge Messi, the father of crack, said the family unit has been a key to the success of Leo.

The happiness that felt Leo Messi after winning his third Ballon d'Or is comparable only to the pride of his parents, Jorge and Celia, who accompanied him at the gala. Nobody knows them better than the effort that the `10 What the club has had to do to become the best player in the world, but for them the greatest achievement of your child is having retained its humility.

"Leo is very difficult to change, you should spend some very hard to change his ways, the challenge is to continue with the same enthusiasm," said Jorge Messi yesterday in the program 'El matí de Catalunya Ràdio'. Although all collective and individual successes crack Rosario are representing a logistical problem, "Leo and asked me to extend the house, see how we organize to make the window bigger," laughs the father said the player. But beyond the joke, since 2005 the player accumulates 101 individual awards, among which are the three gold balls, three times top scorer in the Champions League or its designation as a Sports Heritage of Humanity.

Part of the success of the squad due to family stability, as explained by his father, "I always try to have family bonding, although over time the children grow and leave a small gap opening. Always try to be together. "

Jorge is the shadow and the guardian angel of the best player in the world and who most values ​​the evolution that has taken Leo personally, "is quiet and calm because that character comes from her family, but in recent years has matured a lot, I realize that every time you are opening a bit older and more mature than before, "and very responsible," on Monday when we arrived in Barcelona after the gala went to sleep because the next day I train. "

At the gala, Leo wanted to publicly acknowledge the merits of his teammate Xavi, who has shared the moments before the last four galas. Similarly, Jorge has also played live those moments of waiting with the family of the second master Barca and Argentina recognizes that this waiting is the worst of the prizes, "to be with parents knowing that Xavi can only say the name of one of the two is the worst. Four years ago we are in the same situation and the truth is that with hand on heart, I and Leo's mother think Xavi deserves a special mention by the FIFA. Beyond the Ballon d'Or, Xavi has a very important career, "he said Jorge Messi. (via SPORT)

The press in Argentina show their pride and joy as Leo Messi is named the world’s best player. The leading sport newspapers worldwide extol the three-time Ballon d’Or winner.

In the press conference before the FIFA awards ceremony, Leo Messi said that he was happy about acknowledgment he was receiving from his country: “I feel as though they are more proud of me than ever in Argentina, I’m very thankful.” Argentina’s pride and joy became even more evident after Barça’s number 10 was awarded the Ballon d’Or as the South American country’s press heaped praise on the three-time winner.

Nuevo Diario said the striker is “on top of the world” after winning his third Ballon d’Or; while the prestigious daily Ole led with: “El Pibe de Oro, otro ‘hat-trick’ de Messi” (The Boy of Gold, another hat-trick for Messi). The daily also noted that the Barça player “makes history after winner the award for the third time.” While Clarín said, “they chose Messi as the best player in the world for the third consecutive year,” a feat only accomplished by Michel Platini.

The daily La Nación said that the acknowledgment “has a special taste to it because he’s barely 24 years old.”(via FCBarcelona.cat)

The praise towards the genius from the Masia didn’t come just from Argentina, the front pages of the press worldwide also paid homage to Leo Messi:

L'Équipe: "Messi joins the Gods"

La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Messi, is he better than Maradona?"

Daily Mail: "Simply the best! Messi wins the Ballon d'Or"

Bild: "Messi, you are the best!"

El País: "This is for you, Xavi"

Mundo Deportivo: "Golden hat-trick"

Sport: "A hymn to Barça"

El 9: "The first 3"

On the flight back from Zurich, Sandro Rosell, Josep Guardiola, Messi, Xavi, Piqué, Iniesta and Alves were all smiling after winning awards at the FIFA Balon d’Or Gala 2011.

Messi was named world player of the year for the third time in a row after getting almost half of the votes (47.88) to beat both Cristiano Ronaldo (21.6) and fellow FCB man Xavi Hernández (9.23). The highlight of the FIFA Balon d'Or Gala came when the Argentinian received the trophy from Ronaldo. In his speech, Messi also had words for Xavi, a further show of the unity in the Barcelona squad.

Shortly before, Josep Guardiola had been named the best coach of 2011, and in his speech remembered his assistant Tito Vilanova. And there were also five players (Messi and Xavi, plus Iniesta, Piqué and Alves) in the all-star XI for 2011. The whole day was yet more recognition for the FC Barcelona model, and a team that is making history in so many different ways.

After so many happy moments, the return journey to Barcelona, with 24 passengers, was a veritable fiesta. With Gerard Piqué as master of ceremonies, this was a moment to share the success with their families. It was all about having fun, with most of the attention focused on Leo Messi.

There was also time for photographs and a toast for the wonderful achievements, with beaming smiles on every face. The picture of the six winning players plus president Sandro Rosell and manager Josep Guardiola, symbolises all Barça's success. The plane finally reached El Prat Airport ten minutes before midnight, bringing an end to a memorable day for all the people aboard. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Julian Belletti spoken in Brazil about the victory of Barça in Club World Cup their physical preparation and the team mentality that reigns highlighting.

One of the heroes of the Champions League final that Barca won in Paris in 2006, Juliano Belletti, spoke for the Brazilian channel 'SPORTV' over FC Barcelona and its recent conquest of the Club World Cup against the Santos of Neymar.

The ex Barca right full-back between 2004 and 2007 analyzed the physical form of Barça and had no qualms in admitting that "Barca is also the best in the world in terms of physical condition."

The Brazilian, who scored that gave the victory to FC Barcelona in Saint-Denis against Arsenal (2-1), argued that "the attackers have the physical capacity of a medium or a defense, which can not be found in Brazil ".

Belletti emphasized the preparation undertaken by Barça, giving priority to the ball even in the preseason: "There are always exercises with the ball, also the preseason, everything revolves around the ball, even the trainer took advantage of it for athletic work. "

However, the exblaugrana said, in conclusion, that the key to this team is the union of self and collective work. (via SPORT)

The Argentine forward returned to acknowledge the support of his companions to his arrival in Barcelona from Zurich, after the show confirmed its third straight Ballon d'Or and reiterated his desire to always at Barça.



FC Barcelona players who attended the ceremony of the Ballon d'Or last night returned from El Prat Airport on a flight from Zurich.

Leo Messi, visibly pleased with his third Ballon d'Or, was accompanied by his girlfriend Antonella and their parents. The player has thanked the support of his shipmates and the selection and ensured that his intention is to continue at the club forever.

On the situation in the league, the Argentine has opined that Barça still has options and can not afford more failures waiting for Madrid lose some points. (via SPORT)

With a costume inspired by Grace Kelly, served as star and partner Gerard Piqué.

Impressive with a very tight red dress with a mermaid tail and neck reminiscent of Princess Grace Kelly, Shakira starred gala FIFA Ballon d'Or as the star is world famous. Bright eyes and wavy hair, was waiting at the door of the elevator Joseph Blatter, FIFA president, impressed with the star of 'waka-waka' which served as artist and partner Gerard Pique .

Barca landed with Shakira in Zurich occupying the space reserved for accompanying official private jet club, combining with a black mini-skirt atigresada and the admiration of fans awaiting the arrival of the cracks. Step firmly on the red carpet and the feeling that the universe is even more impressive Barca with Shakira as a follower of the club that dominated the football gala. In the first row, next to Blatter and Pele very close, the 'voice of football' received the first standing ovation of the show. The plan focused on an emotional TV Shakira and immediately closed her flat in the face of her boyfriend. Guardiola Joker, when he picked up his prize greeted "Pique's girlfriend, Shakira."

Gerard is charming even when playing the PlayStation 3. Gerard was distracted playing with the world champion and only lost 1-0. Friendly, expansive, joking with the elegant look of Dani Alves, who hopes to one day give FIFA Ballon d'Or 11 years to reward the best in each position. "Xavi Messi deserves it but still ..." he said. Also, never side won this award.

The rest of the family of Piqué arrived in a private air taxi, parents, businessman and writer Joan and Montse, along with grandparents, Amador Bernabeu tireless and his wife, Montse. Joining them Arturo Canales, manager of the player and great friend of all. Family of artists, so much so that Rex, the German shepherd that gave the great daughters of Amador, director of pre-educated yseñor, juggling a tennis ball to the delight of the family. The education Amador, who understands football. We miss this gala to another great soccer managers, Jesus Forge, which left us in the summer and had many anecdotes in the show last year.

Dulce Antonella

Leo Messi was accompanied by Antonella Rocuzzo , which debuted at a gala so much packaging. Elegant and discreet, with a black sequined short dress with her ​​hair loose. Antonella is sweet, Leo shares with ordinary life that likes to crack. With them, the parents, Jorge and Celia, stylish jacket with a set of pants.

With their parents also came Xavi. Joaquim loves football as much as his son but the truth is Maria soccer Mercè. It is the fourth time this scenario and steps Xavi and is being a habit that will also accompany his brother Alex, who lives in Madrid. Ivan Corretja them. Iniesta came with his great friend and professional Joel Borràs, Pere Guardiola Joining them in dual role of chief marketing officer of Iniesta and Pep's brother, who arrived with his wife Cristina Serra. The technical partner did not want to miss a moment, and even attended the press conference of the technician.

The Ronaldo Barca always said that the former girlfriend of his buddy Pep Guardiola was the prettiest. Ronaldo, the Phenomenon, with kilos of sympathy to go around was happy. Torn between giving the award to Leo Messi "or run off with the Ballon d'Or." He says he now works more than ever, "while good, before either worked well" and is happy. A large.

Another Brazilian, Neymar , showed their absolute complicity with Sandro Rosell. He came to Zurich with his father and all the happiness in the world. There he met 'O Rei' Pele, who served as World Ambassador of Brazil. Rosell and Bartomeu are 'feeling' with Neymar, is almost one of us. Yun Ballon day is ... when Messi permitting, of course. And nobody knows when.

It is quite ridiculous chrome Cristiano Ronaldo with a crest that seemed old-fashioned. Zidane and Butragueño were there trying to justify the absence of the crack and Mourinho, who knew that earned Pep Guardiola. Xabi Alonso made ​​a video with Iker, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano giving thanks for being in the starting ideal, all pretty surreal and seedy. Okay, today Copa del Rey match against Malaga, but at twelve could be home ... (via MD)

Casillas also forgot Guardiola: their podium was Mourinho, Del Bosque and Village-Boas.

The votes of two of the players who have left Barça for his poor relationship with Guardiola have been radically different. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has parked his personal problems with Pep and has voted Coach of 2011, ahead of Mourinho and Villas-Boas while Samuel Eto'o has forgotten all about his second coach at the Camp Nou, his podium was Mourinho, Ferguson and Tabarez.

Another who has forgotten Guardiola has been curiously Spanish captain and Real Madrid, Iker Casillas , who has opted for the two technicians, Mourinho and Del Bosque, and Villas-Boas. Del Bosque , meanwhile, has been consistent and has accepted the praise usually devotes to coach Pep putting Barca in first place ahead of Low and Ferguson.

Frank Rijkaard , coach of Saudi Arabia, has chosen his successor on the bench at the Camp Nou, Pep Guardiola, ahead of Del Bosque and Mourinho. Between technicians, Santpedor won comfortably. From large, only colleagues have opted for Advocaat , who has opted for Ferguson, Camacho and Capello , who have demonstrated their past Real Madrid with the choice of Del Bosque, Klinsmann , who has not hidden his fondness for his former assistant Löw; and Van Maarwijk , who preferred to Tabarez. The elections of Dutch coach and his son, Captain of the 'oranje' Mark van Bommel , they agreed: Tabarez, Guardiola and Ferguson.

Pep has been the number one, among others, Terry , Shevchenko , Thiago Silva , Buffon , Blokhin , Luis Fernandez , Tabarez , Menezes , Hiddink and Toshack. (via MD)

[VOTING]
Casillas (España) Mourinho Del Bosque Villas-Boas
Eto'o (Camerún) Mourinho Ferguson Tabárez
Ibrahimovic (Suecia) Guardiola Mourinho Villas-Boas
Van Bommel (Holanda) Tabárez Guardiola Ferguson
Terry (Inglaterra) Guardiola Villas-Boas Ferguson
Shevchenko (Ucrania) Guardiola Ferguson Del Bosque
Thiago Silva (Brasil) Guardiola Mourinho Ferguson
Buffon (Italia) Guardiola Ferguson Mourinho
Del Bosque (España) Guardiola Löw Ferguson
Rijkaard (Arabia Saudí) Guardiola Del Bosque Mourinho
Camacho (China) Del Bosque Guardiola Mourinho
Löw (Alemania) Guardiola Del Bosque Mourinho
Capello (Inglaterra) Del Bosque Tabárez Guardiola
Blanc (Francia) Del Bosque Guardiola R. García
Van Maarwijk (Holanda) Tabárez Guardiola Ferguson
Menezes (Brasil) Guardiola Mourinho Löw
Prandelli (Italia) Guardiola Villas-Boas Tabárez
Hiddink (Turquía) Guardiola Del Bosque Löw
Toshack (Macedonia) Guardiola Del Bosque Mourinho
Luis Fernández (Israel) Guardiola Ferguson Del Bosque
Blokhin (Ucrania) Guardiola Ferguson Del Bosque
Advocaat (Rusia) Ferguson Guardiola Wenger
Klinsmann (EE.UU.) Löw Guardiola Villas-Boas

The Argentine striker sincere words considering that Xavi also deserved the Ballon d'Or excited to Terrassa, who said he was "the happiest man in the world" after the words of Leo.

"Messi has me excited." That's how sharp it was Xavi Hernandez to qualify the words of his friend Leo Messi when he delivered his acceptance speech after receiving his third Ballon d'Or.

"Leo's words are better than take the prize. Sincerely hoped not. Has been extraordinary. Thank you very much and is a tremendous satisfaction. I am the happiest in the world," said Xavi.

Xavi also lament the fact that the club remain successful in the current line. "I hope we win to come back here and do not say Leo or me, because that will mean that the club is on the road to success," he said, shortly before signing a phrase that sums up his humility and community spirit. "I sign back here next year and win back Leo. Regardless of the individual, the important thing is to keep winning collectively," he added.

Xavi did not hesitate to publicly dedicate his third position and perform a variety thanks to their immediate environment. "I dedicate my third place which never fails, family and colleagues, but also to Barcelona to and those who acknowledge my work, which is a tremendous satisfaction." (via SPORT)