The 2009 winners were announced at the yearly FIFA World Player Gala, held this year at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, on the 21st of December 2009. The final 5 male nominations were Andres Iniesta, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Xavi, and the final five women were Cristiane, Inka Grings, Marta, Birgit Prinz and Kelly Smith. Messi and Marta took the awards, with the latter being the first player to win for four years in a row.