Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 7.5 - Evidently pinpointed by Madrid as he was hassled and clipped but still managed to twist and turn and produce some great moments of skill.

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 29/11 Catania(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 6 - Fairly rank.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 8 - What more could be asked of a substitute than to go into such a high pressure game and score a stunning winner.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 6.5 - Looked to create and open up the visitors' defence but often found that he had to go backwards with so little space.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 29/11 Barcelona(A) lost 1-0 - Match rating 6.5 - Showed some great touches and had two glorious chances to score only to see one saved and the second fly over the bar.

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 28/11 Portsmouth(A) won 4-1 - Match rating 10 - Give him a job and he'll do it. The hat trick hero carried out the lone striker role to perfection. Finished all his chances superbly and didn't give the Pompey centre-backs a moment's rest.

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 28/11 St Mirren(h) won 3-0 - Rested.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 29/11 Everton(A) won 2-0 - Injured.

Player of the Week - Wayne Rooney

Lionel Messi Wins Ballon d'Or 2009

The Barcelona star is European Footballer of the Year...

This award is based of performances during the 2008-2009 season.

Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina has won the Ballon d'Or 2009 award, making him the first player from his country to be crowned European Footballer of the Year.

The 22-year-old has now occupied all of the top three places, having debuted in third in 2007 before rising to second last year.

Furthermore, Messi has won by the greatest margin ever recorded in the history of this venerable competition. Out of a possible 480 points, Lionel scored 473 - a new record, and far ahead of the man in second place, namely last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese managed 233 points.

In winning the prize, awarded by France Football following voting by a panel of journalists from across the world, Messi becomes the youngest Ballon d'Or winner since Michael Owen's win as a 21-year-old in 2001.

In a year that Barcelona won an historic treble of the Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, it seemed inconceivable that a player without the Blaugrana shirt would receive the award.

Barca midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi were also shortlised, but Messi was considered favourite by virtually every observer.

As such it was no surprise when he was confirmed as the winner late on Monday evening.

From an initial shortlist of thirty, ten players were announced last week as the finalists, with Messi's name looming large among those of the likes of Dider Drogba and Wayne Rooney.

However, it was the former Newell's Old Boys youth who prevailed in the end.

Although the final result was not to be announced until 02:00 CET on Tuesday December 1st, reports of Messi's victory emerged in the French online press over an hour before the appointed time.

Furthermore, minutes after 01:00 CET, a message from the France Football profile on social networking website Facebook appeared announcing Messi as the winner, only to disappear seconds later.

Messi, who will be presented with his award on Sunday evening at a gala event in Paris, becomes the first registered Argentine to win the Ballon d'Or since its creation. Buenos Aires-born Juventus legend Omar Sivori triumphed in 1961, but at the time he was a registered Italian.

Non-profiled potential - Francesco Totti

2009/10 has so far been a great season for Roma legend Francesco Totti which has seen him roll back the years and sit top of the scorers charts in Serie A. So far this season he has scored 19 goals in 13 games in all competitions which has led many people to beleive he is a potential shock candidate for this year's Ballon D'Or and also that he may come out of International retirement and go to South Africa with the Italian squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Francesco Totti (born 27 September 1976 in Rome) is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who is the current captain of Serie A club Roma. His position is that of a striker or an attacking midfielder, though he is best known for playing as a second striker. He has spent his entire career at Roma, is the number-one goalscorer and the most capped player in the club's history. He is considered to be Roma's greatest player of all time.

Totti was born and raised in Rome's Porta Metronia neighborhood. He idolized ex-Roma captain Giuseppe Giannini, and regularly played football with older boys. His mother refused a lucrative offer from A.C. Milan to remain in his hometown, and he joined the Roma youth squad in 1989.

Totti won several awards in Italy during his career including a record 5 times Italian Footballer of the Year and 2 times Serie A Footballer of the Year. He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

Totti is currently the top active Serie A goalscorer, and eighth all-time in league history with 187 goals.

Totti intended to retire from the Azzurri after the end of the World Cup 06, but reneged on his decision and remained undecided on his future for over a year, and was never called up in the meantime. He made his retirement official on 20 July 2007, at the beginning of the 2007–08 Serie A season in order to focus solely on club play with Roma. Italy coach at that time Roberto Donadoni's attempts to get Totti to change his mind for the remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers proved futile. After the national team reunioned with Lippi, Totti has been rumoured to return to Italy in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Weekly Preview 27/11 - 03/12

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 29/11 Catania(A)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 29/11 Real Madrid(H)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 29/11 Barcelona(A)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 28/11 Portsmouth(A)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 28/11 St Mirren(H)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 29/11 Everton(A)

Weekly Review 20/11 - 26/11

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A) drew 1-1 - Match rating 6.5 - Looked out of place as a centre forward and should have scored in the 16th minute. Set up a number of opportunities for his team-mates but they were unable to capitalise.

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 22/11 Cagliari(H) won 4-3 - Match rating 8 - Electric performance from the young sensation. Scored Milan's third goal with a rocket, and was involved in two of the others.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A) drew 1-1 - Injured

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A) drew 1-1 - Match rating 5.5 - Had a very poor game on the left hand side. Clearly still needs to get match-fit and is not as sharp as last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 21/11 Racing Santander(H) won 1-0 - Injured.

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 21/11 Everton(H) lost 2-0 - Match rating 7 - Tried his heart out against his former club and on another night could have helped himself to a few goals. Taken off with 20 minutes to go.

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 22/11 Dundee Utd(A) lost 2-1 - Stayed on bench.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 21/11 Man City(H) drew 2-2 - Injured.

Player of the Week - Alexandre Pato

Weekly Preview 20/11 - 26/11

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 22/11 Cagliari(H)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 21/11 Athletic Bilbao(A)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 21/11 Racing Santander(H)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 21/11 Everton(H)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 22/11 Dundee Utd(A)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 21/11 Man City(H)

International Week

Greece v Ukraine, PO, L1, 18:00
Portugal v Bosnia-Hercegovina, PO, L1, 20:30
McGeady v France, PO, L1, 20:00
Russia v Slovenia, PO, L1, 16:00

*sigh*

Weekly Review - 23/10 - 29/10

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 25/10 Real Zaragoza(H) won 6-1 - Match rating 8.5 - Normal service resumed from Messi. Terrorised the Zaragoza defence and beat Carrizo with a sublime effort. On another night he'd have had four goals.

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 25/10 Chievo(A) won 2-1 - Match rating 6 - Following his coronation at the Bernabeu in midweek, the Duck seemed a little off the pace as the failed to finish off a number of promising through balls from Ronaldinho.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 25/10 Real Zaragoza(H) won 6-1 - Match rating 9 - Two very good goals and was always available to his team-mates. His partnership with Messi is getting better

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 25/10 Real Zaragoza(H) won 6-1 - Match rating 8 - Full of running and his tenacity alone ensured Barca never let up in their attacking play. Probably not at his best yet but still a very, very good game.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 24/10 Sporting Gijon(A) drew 0-0 - Injured.

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 25/10 Liverpool(H) lost 2-0 - Match rating 5 - Looked a yard short of his best as Ferguson's decision to bring him back for the game failed to come off.

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 28/10 Hearts(H) lost 1-0 - Match rating 6 - Came on at half time for the horrendous Shaun Maloney. Within 5 minutes Paddy had skinned a boy at the halfway line, jinked past another 2 players on his way to goal and cracked a shot off the crossbar from 20 yards. He was jiggered after that.

25/10 Hamilton(A) won 2-1 - Match rating 6 - On for the last 25 minutes as Celtic struggle to hold onto a 2-1 lead against a rank Hamilton. Didn't do much.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 25/10 Man Utd(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 8 - Always looking to summon the moment of inspiration to change the game and found it past the hour mark. His pace and strength was too much for Ferdinand to handle. Deserved his goal after leading the line expertly.

Player of the Week - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Weekly Review - 03/10 - 09/10

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 7.5 - Looked very lively early on, but had a poor second half, when he drifted out of the game. (Highlights)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 04/10 Atalanta(A) drew 1-1 - Match rating 5.5 - When 11 on 11, the Brazilian was shackled by the defence. In the second-half he was a bit more involved, being denied by Consigli and hitting the bar. In truth, he needs to be more involved in the match. (Highlights)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 6 - Average from the Swede, showed some nice early touches, but was a passenger for the entire second half. (Highlights)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 7 - Had a quiet game for the most part, but came alive towards the end when he was moved further upfront. (Highlights)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 04/10 Sevilla(A) lost 2-1 - Injured. (Highlights)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 03/10 Sunderland(H) drew 2-2 - Match rating 5 - The 'Rooney rage' of old reared its head as nothing came off for him all night. Tried to do too much on his own and often ran in to cul-de-sacs where even his talent wasn't enough to pave the way forward. (Highlights)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 04/10 rangers(A) lost 2-1 - Match rating 6 - Came on late and done what he could to open up a brutally old and guff mink defence but they defended with 12 men behind the ball and couldn't be broke down. Paddy will feel aggrieved to be on the losing side that day despite Celtic having 5 penalty claims and only given one by the referee with the bowler's hat. (Highlights)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 04/10 Chelsea(A) lost 2-0 - Match rating 6 - Was given a rough time by Terry and Carvalho, who were in his face at every opportunity, but still saw a few good chances go begging. Not his best game at all. (Highlights)


Player of the Week - Lionel Messi

Weekly Preview - 03/10 - 09/10

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 04/10 Atalanta(A)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 03/10 Almeria(H)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 04/10 Seville(A)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 03/10 Sunderland(H)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 04/10 rangers(A)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 04/10 Chelsea(A)



International week......

Weekly Review - 26/09 - 02/10

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 7.5 - Plenty of trademark runs and a brilliant assist for Ibrahimovic, but should have finished some of his chances. (Highlights)

29/09 Dynamo Kyiv (H) won 2-0 - Match rating 8.5 - Always a threat, always looking to be in possession. Frustrated by the level of attention he received at times but produced another fantastic performance which is now just standard him. The goal was typical of his magic. (Highlights)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 27/09 Bari(H) drew 0-0 - Match rating 7 - Lively from the moment of his introduction, and will surely be included from the start in the coming fixtures. (Highlights)

30/09 FC Zurich(H) lost 1-0 - 5 - Another guff showing for a young talent who looks as if he has fallen out of love with the game. (Highlights)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 8 - Missed a decent chance seconds after coming on, but then made amends with a great finish, and proved a tough opponent throughout. (Highlights)

29/09 Dynamo Kyiv(H) won 2-0 - Match rating 8.5 - Shaded Messi in the first half with some excellent movement and showed some great skill and vision in possession. Faded in the second half but deserved a goal. (Highlights)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A) won 2-0 - Rested. (Highlights)

29/09 Dynamo Kyiv(H) won 2-0 - Match rating 7 - Was doing well until he was replaced at the break and produced a marvellous pass for Messi's goal. Hopefully his substitution was precautionary after a long lay-off. (Highlights)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 26/09 Tenerife(H) won 3-0 - Match rating 7 - Always a threat, but was frustrated by goalkeeper Aragonenses and couldn't add to his recent goalscoring run. (Highlights)

30/09 Marseille(H) won 3-0 - Match rating 8 - Confident and brash as always, he was involved in an individual battle with goalkeeper Mandanda in the first half, but in the second his two finishes were clinical, and also won the spot kick which Kaka converted. Another sublime showing. (Highlights)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 26/09 Stoke(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 6 - A quiet afternoon. Link up play and shooting was below the standard established so far this campaign. (Highlights)

30/09 Wolfsburg(H) won 2-1 - Match rating 5 - Cut a frustrated figure up front. Seemed to be more interested in castigating his colleagues and the referee than living up to Ferguson's pre-match praise. (Highlights)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 26/09 St Mirren(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 10 - Another sensational performance from the Derry Pele and was the only player worthy of any plaudits as Celtic ground out a win to stay top of the pile. The 25-year-old gathered the ball 40 yards out and ran at St Mirren's defence. Six or Seven players tried to get at him and Hugh Murray had a go at him twice but there was no getting the ball from the Irish man who then unleashed a 15-yard shot from an acute angle on the right and it flew past Paul Gallacher. Majestic. (Highlights)

01/10 Rapid Wien(H) - drew 1-1 - "Rested"

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 26/09 Hull(H) won 6-1 - Match rating 9 - Opened the scoring with his first chance, and made it 2-1 with a wonderfully taken second. Inevitably completed his treble just after the break and was simply magnificent throughout. (Highlights)


29/09 Fiorentina(A) lost 2-0 - Match rating 5 - Offered little threat, despite constant runs, and was given little chance to impress by Liverpool's insipid display. Brutal. (Highlights)


Player of the Week - Paddy McCourt

Weekly Preview - 26/09 - 02/10

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A), 29/09 Dynamo Kyiv(H)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 27/09 Bari(H), 30/09 FC Zurich(H)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A), 29/09 Dynamo Kyiv(H)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 26/09 Malaga(A), 29/09 Dynamo Kyiv(H)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 26/09 Tenerife(H), 30/09 Marseille(H)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 26/09 Stoke(A), 30/09 Wolfsburg(H)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 26/09 St Mirren(A), 01/10 Rapid Wien(H)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 26/09 Hull(H), 29/09 Fiorentina(A)

Weekly Review - 19/09 - 25/09

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H) won 5-2 - Match rating 9 - Took both his goals brilliantly, and was a constant menace for the terrified Atletic defence. (Highlights)

23/09 Racing Santander(A) won 4-1 - Match rating 9 - Two more stunning goals and an assist saw the Argentinian produce a similar display to the one he managed at the weekend. (Highlights)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 20/09 Bologna(H) won 1-0 - Match rating 6.5 - A frustrating evening for the Brazilian, who was in and out of the match. He made a couple of incredible turns of pace and also hit the post with a daisy cutter in the second-half. (Highlights)

23/09 Udinese(A) lost 1-0 - Match rating 5.5 - He worked hard up front but, like Inzaghi, was given little to go on. Seemed to pick up a knock in the second half and was substituted for Ronaldinho. (Highlights)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H) won 5-2 - Match rating 8 - Drifted out of the game at times, but started things off with a sublime finish, and also played a large part in Keita's goal. (Highlights)

23/09 Racing Santander(A) won 4-1 - Match rating 7.5 - The Swede was influential throughout and netted his fourth in four league games as well as holding up and created Pique's goal with an outrageous backheel. (Highlights)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H) won 5-2 - Match rating 7 - Barca had eased off when he came on, but still showed some nice touches as he worked his way back to full fitness. (Highlights)

23/09 Racing Santander(A) won 4-1 - Match rating 6.5 - May have tried too much when coming on, but is finding his feet and did not do anything to cause his side too many problems. (Highlights)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 20/09 Xerez(H) won 5-0 - Match rating 9 - Ronaldo netted twice and caused the Xerez defence no end of problems with his incisive runs drifting in from the wing. (Highlights)

23/09 Villarreal(A) won 2-0 - Match rating 9 - Ronaldo broke another record as he scored for the 4th Real Madrid game in a row after just 2 minutes and after the visitors took the lead it was plain sailing with the Portuguese star in fine form, showing some of his trademark trickery and producing some excellent sand dancing. (Highlights)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 20/09 Manchester City(H) won 4-3 - Match rating 8 - Was too sharp for City as he got the champions off to the best possible start. Gave the visiting backline a tough time as they failed to stamp out his influence. (Highlights)

23/09 Wolves(A) won 1-0 - Not in the squad, rested. (Highlights)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 20/09 Hearts(H) won 2-1 - Paddy had a days annual leave and spent it Go-Karting with his Ma and Aunt back in Derry. (Highlights)

23/09 Falkirk(A) won 4-0 - Match rating 10 - Back in for selection after annual leave at the weekend and Paddy tormented his opponents for 90 minutes, beating players with ease. He had a hand in Celtic’s second goal and then, in the 64th minute, he grabbed the third in this 4-0 win, dancing through the defence from the halfway before chipping the Falkirk keeper, a virtuoso display and solo goal that will live long in the memory. (Highlights)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 19/09 West Ham(A) won 3-2 - Match rating 8 - Scored a sublime goal to set the Reds on their way, and grabbed the all-important winner with a fine header. The perfect way to respond to doubts about his form. (Highlights)

23/09 Dirty Leeds(A) won 1-0 - Cup game, unused sub. (Highlights)

Player of the Week - Paddy McCourt

Weekly Preview - 19/09 - 25/09

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H), 23/09 Racing Santander(A)

Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) - 20/09 Bologna(H), 23/09 Udinese(A)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H), 23/09 Racing Santander(A)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - 19/09 Atl Madrid(H), 23/09 Racing Santander(A)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 20/09 Xerez(H), 23/09 Villarreal(A)

Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) - 20/09 Manchester City(H), 23/09 Wolves(A)

Paddy McCourt (Celtic) - 20/09 Hearts(H), 23/09 Falkirk(A)

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 19/09 West Ham(A), 23/09 Dirty Leeds(A)

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Fernando Torres

Fernando José Torres Sanz (born 20 March 1984) is a Spanish footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool and the Spanish national team as a striker.

Torres started his career with Atlético Madrid, progressing through their youth ranks. He made his professional debut in 2001 and finished his career with the club having scored 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances, earning the nickname El Niño ("The Kid"). Prior to the La Liga debut, Torres played two seasons in the Segunda División, making 40 appearances and scoring seven goals. He joined Liverpool in 2007, after Liverpool signed him with the club's record transfer fee. He marked his first season at Anfield by being Liverpool's first player, since Robbie Fowler in 1995–96, to score more than 20 league goals in a season.

He is also a Spanish international and made his debut for the country against Portugal in 2003. He has since participated in three major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008. He did not score a goal at Euro 2004, but he scored three at World Cup 2006. Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in their 1–0 win over Germany in the UEFA Euro 2008 Final.

Torres made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007. He made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League four days later in a 1–0 victory over Toulouse FC, after coming on as a 79th minute substitute. His first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut on 19 August, in the 16th minute in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea. His first hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in the League Cup in September, with all of his goals coming in the second half. His first goals in the Champions League came on his third appearance in the competition as Liverpool beat FC Porto 4–1, as he scored twice.

He was named the Premier League's player of the month for February, during which he scored four goals in two league appearances, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 February 2008. This hat-trick and another in a 4–0 victory over West Ham United on 5 March 2008 meant he became the first Liverpool player since Jackie Balmer in November 1946 to score a hat-trick in successive home matches. Later in March, after he scored a 47th minute header against Reading at Anfield, becoming the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in the 1995–96 season campaign to score 20 league goals in a season. In April, he scored another Champions League goal, this time against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg, as Liverpool advanced to the semi-final. This goal took him onto 29 goals for the 2007–08 season in all competitions, eclipsing Liverpool favourite Michael Owen's personal record for goals in a season. On 11 April 2008, it was announced Torres had made a six man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, which was eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United. The Spanish international was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Arsenal and was named in the PFA Team of the Year. In May, he finished second to Ronaldo for the FWA Footballer of the Year award.

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Paddy McCourt

Patrick "Paddy" McCourt (born 16 December 1983 in Derry), is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a winger with Scottish Premier League club Celtic. Before joining Celtic from Derry City, played in the League of Ireland. He is the brother of former Derry City striker Harry McCourt. He has played twice for the Northern Irish national team.

McCourt, educated at Steelstown Primary School in Derry, began his career with an early move from Foyle Harps to Rochdale on a youth team contract and was billed as a promising winger.His potential quickly persuaded the Spotland club to sign him on a 3 and a half year contract in December 2001, shortly after making his debut against Kidderminster Harriers. His first season ended with 23 appearances and 4 goals. This was complemented by the 9 caps he received at Under 21 level for Northern Ireland. In June 2002, he seemed to have the world at his feet when the then Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy handed him his senior international debut against the might of Spain at Windsor Park. This came at the peak of McCourt's career, and he attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs during 2002-03, including Blackburn Rovers. A formal bid of £1.5m was made by Manchester City, however, this was rejected by Rochdale and the deal fell through.


In June 2008 Derry City agreed a fee with Celtic, Barcelona, Inter Milan & Bayern Munich for the services of McCourt. Barcelona & Inter Milan had agreed terms with both player and club, but the lure of joining the club he supported as a boy persuaded McCourt to move to Glasgow. On 19 June 2008 Patrick signed for the club for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a three year contract. On 8 July 2008 Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said that McCourt was likely to be recalled to the national squad. He made his competitive debut for Celtic on 25 October 2008 in the 4-2 win over Hibernian setting up 4 goals. He has featured prominently for the Celtic reserve team and won many plaudits for his performances, particularly in the game on 28 April 2009 against Rangers which clinched the Scottish Premier Reserve League title for Celtic for the 8th season in succession, a career high point for him. He also appeared at the inaugural Wembley Cup in which he excelled for Celtic, an appearance memorable in particular for a mazy dribble past several Spurs players. He featured in another of Celtic's pre- season friendly matches against another English side Manchester City on 8 August 2009 at Eastlands, and he was again in good form, producing another mazy dribble in the second half, which took him past 4 Man City players, before sending a dangerous cross into the box. Paddy is expected to lift the Europa League Cup this season as stand in skipper.

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Wayne Rooney

Wayne Mark Rooney (born 24 October 1985) is an English footballer who currently plays as a striker for English Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team.

Rooney began his career with Everton, joining their youth team at age ten and rising through the ranks. He made his professional debut in 2002 and his first goal made him the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time. He quickly became part of Everton's first team, spending two seasons at the Merseyside club. Before the start of the 2004–05 season he moved to Manchester United for £25.6 million and became a key member of the first team. Since then, he has won the Premier League three times, the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League and also the Football League Cup.

Rooney made his England debut in 2003 and at Euro 2004 he briefly became the competition's youngest goalscorer. He is frequently selected for the England squad and also featured in the 2006 World Cup.

Born on 24 October 1985 in Croxteth, Liverpool, Merseyside, Rooney is the first child of parents of Irish descent Thomas Wayne and Jeanette Marie Rooney (née Morrey).He was raised in Croxteth with younger brothers Graeme and John, and all three attended De La Salle School. Wayne grew up supporting local club Everton, and his childhood hero was Duncan Ferguson.

With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a record breaking £80m, Rooney would need to step up and score more goals in order to fill Ronaldo's scoring talent. Rooney's start to the new campaign got off to great scoring ways, he scored in the 90th minute of the 2009 FA Community Shield, however United lost the game on penalties. He then scored the only goal of the opening game of the 2009-10 season against Birmingham City, thus taking his overall United tally to 99. He failed to score in the next game, a historic 1-0 defeat to the hands of newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor. On 22 August 2009, he became the 20th Manchester United player to have scored over 100 goals for the club, finding the net twice in a 5-0 away win at Wigan Athletic, the game which saw Michael Owen notch his first goal for United.. On 29 August 2009, United played Arsenal at The Old Trafford, he scored the equalising goal after Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin opening goal, from a crucial penalty from Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia, which lead to a 2-1 win after Abou Diaby's own goal. Five days later Rooney commented on his penalty against Arsenal: "Everyone who watches me play knows I am an honest player, I play the game as honestly as I can. If the referee gives a penalty there is nothing you can do."

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH (born 5 February 1985)is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and serves as captain of the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo currently holds the distinction of being the most expensive player in football history after having transferred to Real Madrid in a deal worth £80 million (€94m, US$132m). His contract with Real Madrid is believed to have made him the highest-paid player in the world.

Ronaldo began his career as a youth player at CD Nacional and his successes with the team led to a move to Sporting Clube de Portugal two seasons afterwards. Ronaldo's precocious talent caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and he signed the 18-year-old for £12.24 million in 2003. The following season, Ronaldo won his first club honour, the FA Cup, and reached the UEFA Euro 2004 final with Portugal, in which tournament he scored his first international goal.

In 2008, Ronaldo won his first UEFA Champions League title, and was named player of the tournament. He was named the FIFPro World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner in 40 years.

Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff said in an interview on 2 April 2008, "Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United."

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Andres Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta Luján (born 11 May 1984 in Fuentealbilla, Albacete, Castile-La Mancha) is a Spanish football attacking midfielder who currently plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona. His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch, coupled with a natural humility, has earned him the sobriquet El Ilusionista, El Anti-Galáctico and most recently San Andrés or Don Andrés from the Catalan press. After the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney asserted that he believed the midfielder to be the best in the world.

Initially, the 12-year-old Iniesta's parents travelled to Barcelona and took a look at the FC Barcelona youth school, La Masia. The trip resulted in Iniesta's enrollment in the Barça youth ranks. Like fellow La Masia graduate Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta originally started as a volante but his balance, close control and skill on the ball saw him make progress as an attacking midfielder. From that moment on he worked his way up the club ranks. Louis van Gaal handed him his debut on 29 October 2002, a UEFA Champions League game against Club Brugge He appeared 11 times in the league in 2003–04, mostly as a deputy for Camp Nou favourite Ronaldinho, scoring once as Barça sealed second place behind Valencia CF.

On 24 September 2008, Andrés Iniesta was chosen as one of the new Barcelona captains, with the former vice-captain Ronaldinho departing for AC Milan. According to local newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta will be the Barça fourth-choice captain, behind fellow Spaniards, Carles Puyol (1st-choice), Xavi (second-choice), and Víctor Valdés (third-choice). This new achievement by Iniesta has been welcomed by all Culés worldwide, and, especially, by the pro-Barcelona press throughout Spain. In mid November 2008, Iniesta suffered a leg injury and was expected to return to action in 6 weeks. Iniesta, however, did not want to come back until he was 100 percent and finally returned to action on 3 January 2009 as a 65th minute substitute against RCD Mallorca. After only 10 minutes he scored a crucial goal and completed a Barcelona comeback in front of the Camp Nou. His performances in the 2008–09 season have been highly lauded, receiving standing ovations both in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as well as from rival supporters in away matches.

On 5 February, Iniesta made his 250th appearance for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey match against Mallorca. Iniesta once again got injured in Barcelona's home match against Málaga CF, but returned to action for the first leg Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich, which Barcelona won 4–0.

His current contract with Barcelona ends in June 2014. On July 19 2007, he was linked with a move to rivals Real Madrid, with reports in newspapers suggesting Real was prepared to pay €60 million for him, which would trigger his release clause. Iniesta disregarded the rumours and reiterated his desire to remain with Barça by saying "I can’t do anything about it but I’d like to insist once again that I want to stay here. When I say I want to retire in Barça, I say it with all my heart.". Iniesta's release clause has since been raised to €150 million, to dissuade possible suitors.

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović (born 3 October 1981) is a Swedish football player of Bosnian and Croatian parentage who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Swedish national team.

As of February 2009, Ibrahimović, along with Kaká, were the highest salaried football players in the world with an annual pay of €9 million. Ibrahimović won the Capocannoniere on 31 May, 2009 with 25 domestic goals during the season. He currently holds the record for the second highest transfer fee in football history, with a total of €69 million.

Ibrahimović was born to a Bosniak father, Šefik, and a Croatian mother, Jurka, who emigrated to Sweden, where they first met. Ibrahimović grew up in Rosengård, a Malmö neighbourhood known for its immigrant communities, along with his three sisters and two brothers. After receiving his football boots, Ibrahimović began playing football at the age of six, alternating between local junior clubs Malmö BI and FBK Balkan. While in his early teens, he was a regular in his hometown club Malmö FF. At the age of 15, Ibrahimović was close to quitting his football career, in favor of working at the docks in Malmö, but his manager convinced him to continue playing. Ibrahimović successfully completed junior high school in the ninth grade, and though he was admitted to Borgarskolan, he soon dropped out of high school to focus on his football career.

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born 2 September 1989 in Pato Branco, Paraná), commonly known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian striker, currently playing for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. The nickname "Pato" is in honour of his place of birth, but has led to commentators calling him "The Duck", which is the literal translation of "Pato" from Portuguese. Alexandre started playing indoor football (futsal) in his hometown at the age of three. Soon, his ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná for being skillful and talented goal scorer and, after being praised by many of his managers, the teenager went to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, to try out for Grêmio. He was turned away by Grêmio, the club whom he had supported since a boy – but local rivals Internacional convinced him to play for them. Despite the two clubs being bitter enemies, Pato’s parents convinced their youngster to switch his allegiance.

In 2000, when he was aged 11, his doctors determined he had a potentially malignant tumor in his left arm, which occurred after he had broken it twice in the same place. If it was not removed, he faced the possibility of it becoming cancerous in two months. His family couldn't afford the surgery but one of their family friends, who is a doctor, operated as a volunteer for free.

On his first team debut, at the age of 17, Pato helped Internacional to a 4-1 win over Palmeiras on November 26, 2006. In this game, Pato had three assists and also scored a goal. His appearance put the spotlight on the young player and created expectations and comparisons with another southern Brazilian superstar, the then Barcelona player, and now current team-mate Ronaldinho.

Incumbent European champions Milan officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007. Due to FIFA football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened. However, Milan was allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one day after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against Dynamo Kiev on 7 September 2007 and scored a header. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Milan became official.

Potential Ballon d'Or 2010 - Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Messi is considered to be one of the best football players of his generation, having received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21. His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor".

Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by FC Barcelona. He left Rosario-based Newell's Old Boys's youth team in 2000 and moved with his family to Europe, as Barcelona offered treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke the La Liga record for the youngest footballer to play a league game, and also the youngest to score a league goal. Major honours soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and UEFA Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in 2006–07: he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Perhaps his most successful season was the 2008–09 season, in which Messi scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble winning campaign.

Messi was the top scorer with six goals, including two in the final game of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006 he became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In Beijing in 2008 he won his first senior international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team.