Question of the Week: Who Will Win The Ballon d’Or?

Greetings from the land of sand. This is the weekly segment here on Managing Madrid where I walk around my international campus and ask random people of different backgrounds and football loyalties questions about the footballing world and Real Madrid.

The Ballon d'Or winner is to be announced this evening in Zurich, Switzerland and will be awarded to the player deemed the best in the world. The candidates for the 2011 Ballon d'Or are Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandes from FC Barcelona, and our very own Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

So naturally, the question this week: Who do you think will come out the winner?

"Messi because he is more of a team player than Ronaldo and when it comes to big games like El Classico he proves more than Ronaldo."

-Saker, Palestine, FC Barcelona

"Messi will win. He is hands down the best player. He's unselfish and there when his team needs him to be. He's the man and doesn't choke like Ronaldo."

-Mustafa, Egypt, FC Barcelona

"I hope Ronaldo wins because last season he beat Messi in goal difference. His scoring record this season is also remarkable with 21 goals topping the La Liga scoring sheet. Although Messi is favored to win Ronaldo doesn't receive as much support as Messi giving Messi the upper hand."

-Omar, Egypt, Real Madrid

"Messi is going to win. Although Ronaldo scored more goals and played less games than Messi , Messi proved to be the better player in big games and assists more often than Ronaldo."

-Yusuf, Ethiopia, AC Milan

"It's going to be Ronaldo. Although Messi has more assists and passes due to the fact that Barcelona focus more on their passing, Ronaldo shows his talent by scoring many goals."

-Phillip, Lebanon, AC Milan

"I think Messi deserves it. Although I really wish Ronaldo could get it. Messi: 80% Ronaldo:15% and Xavi: 5%."

-Chan, South Korea, Real Madrid

"I'd want Xavi, but Messi is the obvious choice. He's an all around good player. Striker. Midfielder. Play Maker."

-Zaina, Syria, FC Barcelona

So far, Lionel Messi is the obvious favorite, so maybe Ronaldo is going to be feeling a little sting this evening. But if that is the case, fortunately for him he is not even in the same country, as he and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho decided against attending the event.

Now that you have read some answers from other fans, it is time to make your choice. Take a vote in the poll and/ or have your say in the comments section. Although it is incredibly easy to have bias right now, overlook it as much as you can! Good luck to the candidates and Hala Madrid!