Messi Wins 2019 World's Best Playmaker Award, CR7 Not In Top 10
by Kurt Buckerfield
After being beaten to the World's Best Playmaker title last year, FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has reclaimed the award in 2019, while his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo dropped out of the top 10.
Click through the gallery above to see the 2019 World's Best Playmakers, according to the IFFHS.
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has announced its annual World's Best Playmaker ranking, with last year's winner Luka Modric failing to make the top 10.
FC Barcelona's Messi, who finished the calendar year with 299 points, has been handed the title a fourth time, after previously winning the accolade in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Argentine has enjoyed a phenomenal individual year, and is heavily tipped to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or next week.
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The experts who tally the points gave Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne second place with 85 points, while Real Madrid superstar Eden Hazard comes in at third with a score of 55. De Bruyne has jumped up two places from last year, while his compatriot stayed in third spot.
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Last year, Juventus forward Ronaldo came in at 10th on the list, but failed to make the top 10 altogether this time around.
Click through the gallery above to see the IFFHS' 2019 World's Best Playmaker top 10, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section!