FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez was on Tuesday named as the best playmaker in the world by the International Federation for Football History and Statistics.
It is the fourth time that the Spain international has been given the award, which is chosen by experts and journalists from 81 different countries and regions.
In winning the award, Xavi beat competition from his team-mates Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta and also from Real Madrid's German midfielder, Mesut Ozil.
Xavi was again key last season in helping guide Barcelona to a BBVA Primera Liga and Champions League double, while this season Barcelona have added the Spanish and European Supercups as well as the World Club Championship to their list of trophies. The last title came after they defeated Brazilian side Santos in Japan back in December.
The Spanish Primera Liga had the most representatives in the top-16 creative players named by the IFFHS, with seven of the top 16 playing in Spain, while three play in England, three in Italy, three in Germany and one in France.
