Lionel Messi (Barcelona FC)

European Club Player of the Year and forward of the year
Barcelona's Lionel Messi was named the best player of the 2008-09 Champions League. The Argentina forward was voted the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year accolade by coaches of the 15 other teams who reached the knockout rounds of the tournament. Messi scored nine times in Barcelona's stylish march to the title, including a 70th-minute header in the final to seal a 2-0 win against Manchester United. Messi succeeded Cristiano Ronaldo, the world player of the year, in winning the UEFA award. Next »