The award was decided after a poll in which the captains and head coaches of national teams, as well as international media representatives selected by French football magazine France Football. Cristiano Ronaldo won the voting. This is the second FIFA Ballon d’Or of Cristiano Ronaldo. He won the trophy in 2008.

Argentine Messi, hampered by uncharacteristic injury problems at Barcelona late in the year, and Frenchman Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich were the other candidates for the prize, officially known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer claimed the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award, with his audacious overhead kick against England. He scored the goal in the friendly match in November 2012. Afghanistan Football Federation has been presented the 2013 FIFA Fair Play award.

Former Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes secured the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award. Heynckes won Champions League, German league and Cup with Bayern last season. Silvia Neid led the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football category. Neid led Germany to victory in European Championship.

Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge received the FIFA Presidential Award from President Joseph S. Blatter in recognition of his exemplary record of service to sport, both on the field and behind the scenes. Brazil football legend Pele was awarded with Ballon d’Or Prix D’Honneur.