In addition to the FIFPro World XI, each player also voted for the individual he considered to have been the very best in the past season. As was the case last season, Ronaldinho received the most votes for this Player of The Year. His first reaction was to thank the players who voted for him and his colleagues at FC Barcelona. ‘This is a huge honor and also provides important motivation to keep striving for future progress.’ Lionel Messi won the ASPIRE Young FIFPro Player Player's Award and Cristiano Ronaldo the ASPIRE Young Player Fan Award.
The FIFPro Merit Award, for a player who made an exceptional and positive contribution to the sport of football was awarded to Samuel Eto’o. In addition to thrilling millions of football fans with his talented play last season, Cameroonian Eto’o continually emphasized his commitment to Africa and African football, and distinguished himself by courageous and inspiring actions against racism in football.
Finally, the FIFPro Players For Peace Award was given to FC Barcelona. The Club showed its social commitment in a unique way by giving up its shirt advertisement space to UNICEF, instead of selling it off to the highest bidder.
