FC Barcelona awarded world’s best team of the decade by the IFFHS

Barcelona (FCB).- Barça was awarded seven awards at the IFFHS World Football Gala which took place this Monday evening in Barcelona. FC Barcelona was named the ‘The World’s Club of the 1^st Decade’ (2001 through 2010) and the best team of 2011 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). Xavi, Messi and Guardiola also won awards. The ceremony, which took place at Barcelona’s W Hotel, located next to Barceloneta beach, was attended by FC Barcelona Vice President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Director Jordi Mestre and Football Director Andoni Zubizarreta.

Leaders of the 21^st century

Of the 37 awards passed out on Monday during the Gala, FC Barcelona won 7. Among them, two of the most important: Best European team of the decade and world’s best team of the decade. From 2001 through 2010, the team won a total of two Champions Leagues (2006 and 2009), one Club World Cup (2009), one European Super Cup (2009), four Spanish League titles (2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09 and 2009/10), one King’s Cup (2008/09) and three Spanish Super Cups (2006, 2007 and 2010).

FC Barcelona was also named the best team of 2011. Last year Barça won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the Spanish League (la Liga), the European Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

Xavi, Messi and Guardiola win awards

Xavi, Messi and Guardiola also won awards. Xavi was named The World’s best Playmaker in 2011, Messi finished runner up for the award. The Argentine, however, was named 2011’s World’s Top Goal Scorer. Lastly, Josep Guardiola was named The World’s best Club Coach in 2011 ahead of Real Madrid’s José Mourinho.

Other awards

Best referee of 2011: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

2nd best referee of 2011: Howard Webb (ENG)

Best national manager of 2011: Óscar Tabárez (URG)

2nd best national manager of 2011: Vicente Del Bosque (ESP)

Best keeper of 2011: Iker Casillas (ESP)

2nd best keeper of 2011: Manuel Neuer (GER)

Best league in the world: Primera División (ESP)

2nd best league in the world: Premier League (ENG)