Colombian star James Rodriguez’s sublime volley for Colombia against Uruguay in their last 16 match at the World Cup was voted goal of the year at the FIFA Ballon d’Or awards on Monday in Zurich.
The 23-year-old — who was outstanding as Colombia reached the quarter-finals only to lose to Brazil — came out top ahead of Robin van Persie’s header at full stretch against Spain in the World Cup final group game against Spain and surprise finalist Irishwoman Stephanie Roche.
Rodriguez, who earned a big money move to Real Madrid on the back of his performances at the World Cup, said this was a special award for his country.
“I am happy, I would like to thank all those who voted,” said Rodriguez.
“It is a very special goal for me and for all of Colombia. These are words of happiness and gratitude.”
List of award winners at 2014 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Zurich on Monday:
Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid)
Woman player of the year: Nadine Kessler (GER/Wolfsburg)
Men’s team coach of the year: Joachim Loew (GER/Allemagne)
Women’s team coach of the year: Ralf Kellermann (GER/Wolfsburg)
Puskas prize for best goal: James Rodriguez (COL/Real Madrid)
Fairplay: Brazil 2014 World Cup volunteers
Presidents prize: Hiroshi Kagawa (JPN), oldest journalist (89) at 2014 World Cup finals which was the 10th one he had covered.
Team of the year:
Manuel Neuer (GER/Bayern Munich); Sergio Ramos (ESP/Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (BRA/Paris SG), David Luiz (BRA/Paris SG), Philipp Lahm (GER/Bayern Munich); Andrés Iniesta (ESP/Barcelona), Toni Kroos (GER/Real Madrid), Ángel Di Maria (ARG/Manchester United); Arjen Robben (NED/Bayern Munich), Lionel Messi (ARG/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid)
