8:07 PM WAT
1/13/14
I have to say, Ronaldo gets a lot of criticism but I think you'd be hard pressed to find any football fan who wasn't touched by just how much that meant to the Real Madrid man. I have to think that that acceptance speech will do wonders for how people perceive him, because he really displayed his human side tonight. Worth waiting for, in every sense, I think.
8:05 PM WAT
1/13/14
Ronaldo is completely overwhelmed as he takes to the stage
"There are no words to describe this moment," he says, before completely breaking down.
"First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
"Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. And I don't want to forget to mention Eusebio.
"My girlfriend, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved. And if I have forgotten anyone, I'm sorry, but I'm just deeply moved."
8:03 PM WAT
1/13/14
Pele returns to the stage, pauses for dramatic effect and says ... Cristiano Ronaldo! The Portuguese has won his second Ballon d'Or five years after winning his first. He looks thrilled. Ribery, not so much.
8:01 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, it's finally Ballon d'Or time. It's Ronaldo versus Ribery versus Messi - who's going to come out on top? We're about find out ...
7:59 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, here comes Mia Hamm to present the Fifa Women's World Player of the Year, and the winner is ... Nadine Angerer, who is totally taken aback at having beaten Martha and Abby Wambach to the accolade.
"I have to say that I'm a little surprised, but very thankful," the German enthuses. "First of all, I have to thank everybody that voted for me. I just want to pay my respects to Marta and Abby, who have had an incredible year too."
7:54 PM WAT
1/13/14
A clearly very touched Pele:
"I promised my family that I would not cry but I am emotional. First of all, I wanted to thank God for giving me the good health to have played for so many years. Secondly, I didn't play alone. I played with my friends. I want to share this with them, all of them, from the guy who cleaned the boots to the coach.
"I got so many prizes during my career but I was so jealous of these guys that got the Ballon d'Or because I never played in Europe.
"So now, I'm happy to be able to make my trophy collection at home!"
7:50 PM WAT
1/13/14
Blatter: "Ladies and gentlemen, we honour the greatest player ever to grace the football field, Edson Arantes do Nascimento. You know him better as ... Pele."
The Brazil legend is treated to a rousing reception from the crowd and a thoroughly deserved standing ovation.
7:47 PM WAT
1/13/14
Blatter: "Tonight we will award the first Prix d'Honneur ... No other player has had such an impact on the game. More than 1,200 goals in his career. The only player to win the Fifa World Cup three times." I think we all know who the Swiss is talking about ...
7:45 PM WAT
1/13/14
Ribery's just been afforded his montage so that's all three Ballon d'Or nominees done. Not long now, but first, Blatter is back on the stage for a "a special award" ...
7:43 PM WAT
1/13/14
Ibrahimovic accepts his accolade with great humility, saying:
"I'm very proud to be here tonight. I want to congratulate all of the nominees and winners. And for the best player award later, may the best man win. I want to thank all of the people who voted for the best goal. Thank you very much. All the best."
7:41 PM WAT
1/13/14
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar opens the envelope and states, "The winner is Zlatan Ibrahimovic."
No surprises there, either, given that the Swede's strike against England was truly out of this world.
7:40 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, it's time for The Fifa Puskas Award for best goal. It's Zlatan up against Matic and Neymar ... Where's this prize going? ...
7:38 PM WAT
1/13/14
Kris confirms, though, that Jupp Heynckes' triumph was universally lauded by those in attendance:
"The announcement of the Coach of the Year award for Heynckes is met with plenty of agreeable nods from around the room, with the former Bayern boss having already been championed for the prize by one of his competitors - Jurgen Klopp - earlier. If there was one surefire winner tonight, it was Heynckes."
7:36 PM WAT
1/13/14
Let's hear from Kris Voakes:
"There were a few sniggers around the room when the name of Dani Alves was announced in the FifPro XI. It's fair to say that his inclusion has raised a fair number of eyebrows - there are Carlo Ancelotti impersonators everywhere tonight!"
7:35 PM WAT
1/13/14
We're now being taken through the remarkable exploits over the Afghan national football team, "a group that are giving hope to a nation".
7:33 PM WAT
1/13/14
Tokyo Sexwale and his Royal Highness Prince Ali Bin Hussein are next on the stage to present the Fifa Fair Play Award.
7:32 PM WAT
1/13/14
Four representatives from Brazil's World Cup-winning sides are then rolled out: Pele (1958, 1962 & 1970), Amarildo (1962), Bebeto (1994) and Cafu (2002).
Pele explains that his third triumph meant the most to him.
"I could choose the fourth one as the most important because it was my last World Cup. I knew then I could retire happy."
7:22 PM WAT
1/13/14
The Brazilian theme continues as Gullit introduces a montage of the country's five previous World Cup triumphs. From Pele to Ronaldo - it's pretty stirring stuff from the samba boys.
7:19 PM WAT
1/13/14
As we wait, let me point you in the direction of our news piece on the Coach of the Year award going to a very deserving Jupp Heynckes.
7:17 PM WAT
1/13/14
Lionel Messi is then given the video treatment before Swiss-Brazilian singer takes to the stage to treat the crowd to a musical interlude.
7:14 PM WAT
1/13/14
Some more reaction from a very humble Heynckes:
"I'm tremendously thankful to be here to pick up this award today. It means a lot to pick up an award right at the end of my career. Normally in team sports it is often difficult to put things together like this. It isn't just down to me this is down to the whole club, Bayern Munich, everybody that has been working with me during this period.
"We have been blessed with world class players and they produced amazing performances. The coaching staff have also lent their weight. I want to thank everybody that has pulled together and helped me to produce this winning team."
7:13 PM WAT
1/13/14
Hodgson sticks around to present the Men's Coach of the Year and it goes to .... Jupp Heynckes, who walked away from the game last summer after leading Bayern Munich to a historic treble. Lahm, Neuer and Ribery look delighted for their former boss.
"This is something I could not have imagined winning 10 years. For this reason, I am very happy. Thank you."
7:09 PM WAT
1/13/14
England boss Roy Hodgson is introduced to present the Women's Coach of the Year award for 2013, and the winner is ... Silvia Neid, with the German beating off competition from compatriot Ralf Kellermann and Sweden's Pia Sundhage for the accolade.
7:06 PM WAT
1/13/14
Gullit then takes some time out to pay tribute to Portugal icon Eusebio, who recently passed away, before introducing a video feature on his heir apparent, Cristiano Ronaldo.
7:03 PM WAT
1/13/14
As for Neymar, he insists that the Selecao can cope with the sense of expectancy within Brazil.
"When it comes to the World Cup, it's not a question of pressure. It's a dream, so we forget about the pressure."
7:02 PM WAT
1/13/14
Ronaldo is also fully expecting the World Cup to show Brazil in the very best light.
"It's true that I have been all over the world and I've witnessed a great enthusiasm for the World Cup. It's our chance to show the world that we have great players and great organisers. I hope to see you all there. It's going to be a great tournament."
7:01 PM WAT
1/13/14
Gullit introduces Brazilian super model Adriana Lima, Fifa's Jerome Valcke andSelecao legend Ronaldo and current starlet Neymar.
"The visitors can expect what Brazil is best known for," Lima explains, "namely exciting soccer, hospitality and a good time. It will definitely be the most exciting event of the year."
6:55 PM WAT
1/13/14
Another montage now to get everyone excited about the World Cup in Brazil, which, as Lima informs us, is now just 150 days away.
6:51 PM WAT
1/13/14
The crowd are now being treated to a montage of Rogge's vast contribution to sport. While we wait for him to speak, you can check out the Fifpro Dream TeamHERE.
6:50 PM WAT
1/13/14
Attention has now turned to the Presidential Award, which has gone to Jacques Rogge.
"As a keen sportsman, this year’s winner knows all about the power that sport has to change lives and to inspire," stated Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
"Born in Belgium and educated in medicine, he found a home on the water as a yachtsman. He became an Olympian, representing Belgium at three Olympic Games. A strong love for rugby union also saw him capped for the Belgian national team.
"He was elected as the eighth President of the International Olympic Committee in 2001. His visionary and diplomatic approach took the Olympic Games into a new era."
6:48 PM WAT
1/13/14
Franck Ribery was asked if he would ever consider returning to France to line out for Paris Saint-Germain ...
"I don't think I'll play for PSG as I'm very happy to be at Bayern, so why not play against PSG in the Champions League sometime."
6:47 PM WAT
1/13/14
The Fifpro line-up is completed by Madrid's Ronaldo, Barcelona's Messi and Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic, who is also up for The Fifa Puskas Award tonight.
6:44 PM WAT
1/13/14
Some words from Sergio Ramos on the emergence of Atletico Madrid as genuine La Liga title challenges this season:
"I must congratulate them for the great year they're having - and also Barcelona. But Real Madrid must continue to continue the work they've always done. We've managed to reduce the gap somewhat [at the weekend], so we will continue in this way because we want to win everything."
6:42 PM WAT
1/13/14
Here come the midfielders ... and we have Ballon d'Or contender Franck Ribery lining up alongside Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
6:39 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, here we got with the Fifa/Fifpro team of the year. No surprises in terms of the goalkeeper, it's Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich.
In front of him are Barcelona full-back Dani Alves, Paris Saint-Germain centre-half Thiago Silva, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Bayern Munich skipper Philipp Lahm.
6:38 PM WAT
1/13/14
We're then taken through the three best goals of 2013: Ibrahimovic (Sweden) versus England; Matic (Benfica) versus Porto; and Neymar (Brazil) versus Japan.
Gullit rather cheekily tries to get in an effort from his AC Milan days - but Lima is having none of it.
6:35 PM WAT
1/13/14
The "six best players in the world" are then introduced to the crowd before taking their seats in the crowd. Messi is pretty quiet guy that wine-coloured suit of his is by some distance the loudest outfit on stage.
6:33 PM WAT
1/13/14
And we're up and running, with our hosts Fernanda Lima and Ruud Gullit. They're just explaining that given this is a World Cup year, the show will have a particular focus on host nation Brazil before culminating in the presentation of the Ballon'Or.
6:29 PM WAT
1/13/14
Franz Beckenbauer has made a last-ditch attempt to secure some support for one of Bayern Munich's own.
"There is only one who should win the Ballon d'Or - Ribery!"
6:27 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, the waiting is almost over. The start of the gala is now just five minutes away. Here's Kris Voakes in Zurich:
"The pre-show preamble gets under way now. There's nothing like a build-up with a bit of extra build-up!"
6:20 PM WAT
1/13/14
However, if it's real controversy you're looking for, then Tony Mahoney has written the piece for you. In this article, it's argued that not one of Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery or Lionel Messi deserves to be up for this year's Ballon d'Or!
6:14 PM WAT
1/13/14
Right, just over 15 minutes to go until the show gets under way, folks. To get yourselves in the mood for this always historic event, why not peruse this cracking piece on an all-star XI of former Ballon d'Or winners. It's an interesting one, as there's no Cristiano Ronaldo involved ...
6:07 PM WAT
1/13/14
Well, Messi hasn't disappointed with his choice of suit, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jurgen Klopp have rather unsurprisingly produced the exchange of the night on Sky Sport 24.
"When are you going to bring me to Dortmund?" Ibra asked.
"I'd have to sell the whole team," exclaimed Klopp.
"I'll come for free," Zlatan vowed.
Klopp was then later asked by a reporter if he'd just persuaded the PSG striker to move to Dordmund, to which he replied: "Maybe for the last two months of his career!"
Klopp also told Sky that he'd managed to get a photo with Messi, whom he joked had bought a place in Zurich because of his Ballon d'Or dominance: "I believe he already has an apartment here!"
5:55 PM WAT
1/13/14
Neymar is also in attendance and he seems to be enjoying himself, not only tonight in Zurich but just in Catalunya in general.
"I'm very happy to be here. It's a great chance to meet some great players, many of whom I know from Barcelona! I'm very happy there. I was warmly received and couldn't be happier."
5:52 PM WAT
1/13/14
Quick update from Kris Voakes in Zurich:
"Sergio Ramos has confirmed on Twitter that he is again one of the Fifa/FifPro XI, which backs up previous leaked photos of the final pick of the 45,000 players' votes."
5:49 PM WAT
1/13/14
Lionel Messi has arrived, folks, and, after his outrageous polka-dot number from last year, he hasn't let us down with his choice of suit for this evening. The Argentine is wearing a fantastically shiny wine-coloured tuxedo.
5:47 PM WAT
1/13/14
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided against doing any interviews on the red carpet. Clearly, he's as focused on victory as he is on his average free kick.
He is, of course, the overwhelming favourite to triumph and Ben Hayward explains why HERE.
5:42 PM WAT
1/13/14
Zlatan has also given his views on Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of winning this season's Champions League.
"I think we have a strong team. We're working hard, we have fantastic players and the more we play together, the better we get. I think we have a good chance but in the Champions League anything can happen."
5:41 PM WAT
1/13/14
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has just spoken to Fifa about his nomination for this year's Fifa Puskas award for his stunning overhead kick against England:
"When it happened it was amazing. I'd already scored three goals in the game. When it went in, it was amazing. It was an incredible feeling."
5:35 PM WAT
1/13/14
Brazilian model Adriana Lima is no stranger to red-carpet events and she's just admitted that she's hoping to meet some of her footballing heroes tonight.
"It's a great feeling to take part in this Ballon d'Or. It's a privilege to be here. I'll have the opportunity to meet some Brazilian players. You know how we are in Brazil. We're fanatical about football. I'm such a big fan of Neymar and I've never met Pele, so meeting him would be a dream come true."
5:29 PM WAT
1/13/14
George Weah has just spoken to L'Equipe 21 about his Ballon d'Or success 19 years ago.
"My win in 1995 is a great memory for me and for the entire African continent. I'm the only African to have won this trophy, so it's something very special. I'm proud of it, but I hope that another African player will win it one day. It will not be easy but not impossible."
5:23 PM WAT
1/13/14
Our Fifa hosts on the red carpet have just grabbed a quick word with Brazil legend Pele, who feels that Cristiano Ronaldo's time has come again.
"Sometimes there are players that have to wait four or five years for their turn. Messi has had some injuries, so I think that Ronaldo is going to win this time."
As for his country's World Cup hopes this year, Pele is hoping that the theSelecao can finally exorcise the demons of 1950.
"I hope Brazil goes far. We had our chance at home in 1950 when I was eight or nine years old and we didn't take it. So I hope we can do it this time."
5:18 PM WAT
1/13/14
That last update means that poor Kris is probably the only man in Zurich right now who feels that Messi should win the Ballon d'Or - other than the Argentine, of course.
Indeed, check out Kris' compelling argument in favour of the Barcelona aceHERE.
5:10 PM WAT
1/13/14
More from Kris Voakes, who's managed to find some support for Ribery among the assembled media in Zurich - but nowhere near enough by the looks of it.
"I just managed to collar a handful of the world's press after the departures of the nominees after the press conference to see who they think will win the Ballon d'Or. Four of the five went for Ronaldo, with Ribery getting the other vote."
5:06 PM WAT
1/13/14
There was a lot made of the fact that Fifa extended the voting deadline for this year's Ballon d'Or, with some feeling that the decision would work in Ronaldo's favour, as the extension took in Portugal's play-off success over Sweden. However, Kris Voakes has this interesting update from Zurich:
"Fifa has made a point of stating that the final order for the Ballon d'Or top three is exactly the same as it was on November 15, when the polls were originally due to close."
5:00 PM WAT
1/13/14
Bizarrely, it's actually somewhat difficult to find someone who feels Messi deserves a fifth successive Ballon d'Or. Indeed, even Diego Maradona doesn't think his heir apparent will win this year.
"Cristiano Ronaldo should win. Messi has been injured a lot this year."
However, Brazil legend Ronaldo is backing the Argentine: "I think Messi will win the Ballon d'Or again. He is the biggest star in world football."
