Barcelona trident edge out Cristiano in L'Equipe awards

There is no doubt that 2015 was the year of Barcelona. The whole world has recognised that. Individual prizes and team prizes have been won by the Catalan club. 

But until now, no-one had given Barcelona’s trident the whole podium to themselves. Cristiano Ronaldo was always in there (as with the Ballon d’Or), among the top three. 

However, the prestigious French paper L’Equipe have published their 100 best players in the world and given the top three spots to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, in that order. 

For them, Ronaldo was only good enough to occupy fourth spot. 

Barça’s front three, with their goals against Real Betis, helped the Catalan club to 180 goals throughout the year, a new record in Spanish football. 

Other Barça players - or players who played for the club during the year - in the list were: 

16. Ivan Rakitic

18. Javier Mascherano

24. Sergio Busquets

34. Dani Alves

36. Gerard Pique

50. Jordi Alba

59. Claudio Bravo

75. Xavi Hernandez

76. Marc-Andre ter Stegen