Luka Modrić selected for FIFA FIFPro World XI - Interactive center "Be Proud"

National Teams > Men > A

Messi wins Golden Ball award

Luka Modrić selected
for FIFA FIFPro World
XI

12.01.2016.

photo by: Getty Images

Lionel Messi claimed a record fifth Golden Ball award, with Croatia's Luka Modrić selected for the world's best team in 2015.

On Monday, Swiss city of Zürich hosted the FIFA Golden Ball award ceremony, and Barcelona's Argentine Lionel Messi stepped up to claimed the prize for the fifth time, ahead of Real Madrid's Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and his Brazilian teammate Neymar.

Croatia's Ivan Rakitić, also Messi's teammate from Barcelona, was shortlisted among 23 candidates for the prestigious award.

Simoultaneously, FIFA FIFPro World XI was selected. Croatia's Luka Modrić of Real Madrid confirmed his status as one of the best midfielders in the world.

foto: Getty Images

He was voted alongside Neuer, Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Pogba, Iniesta, Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo in the best team of 2015.

Numerous quality performances for both club and country made him deserve this honour, as one of the pillars of Real Madrid, and helping Croatia reach EURO 2016 in France.

Great recognition for Luka #Modrić as he was deservedly chosen for the @FIFA FIFPro World XI. Congrats! #BeProud pic.twitter.com/uAp6kJ7C6m
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) January 11, 2016

More News

17.11.2025.
Major Croatia comeback to complete World Cup qualifying
Zlatko Dalić's men have completed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a victory, despite Montenegro having a two-goal advantage. MONTENEGRO - CROATIA 2:3 (2:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group...
14.11.2025.
Croatia turns the table to secure World Cup berth!
Croatia national football team became a 2026 FIFA World Cup participant with a 3:1 comeback victory over Faroe Islands in Rijeka. CROATIA - FAROE ISLANDS 3:1 (1:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying...
03.04.2025.
Croatia ranked 11th in the latest FIFA rankings
The Croatian national football team has climbed two places in the latest FIFA rankings, published on Thursday, and is now ranked 11th in the world. Argentina remains at the top of the rankings...
24.03.2025.
Croatia to host Czech Republic in Osijek
The Executive Committee of the Croatian Football Federation has decided that Croatia's June match against the Czech Republic will be played at Osijek's Opus Arena. Following their Nations League...