FC Barcelona has been the main character at the FIFA annual Gala. Gerard Piqué, Dani Alves, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi were chosen to take part of the 2011 Ideal Eleven thanks to more than 50.000 FIFPro members’ votes, the international footballers union; Pep Guardiola was chosen as the best coach of the year, getting more votes than José Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson; at the same time Messi achieved his third consecutive Ballon d’Or, prevailing over Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi.

David Villa, who took part at the 2010 Ideal Eleven, was also nominated to be at the 2011 Ideal Eleven, although finally the three chosen strikers were Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronald and Wayne Rooney. The Spanish striker has congratulated his playmates through his official profile at Twitter (@Guaje7Villa) and through Facebook too: “Full at the Ballon d’Or Gala!!! Congratulations to Messi, Xavi, Piqué, Iniesta, Dani Alves and to Guardiola!!!I’m very proud of being part of this team!!!”