[SLIDESHOW] Ballon d'Or Awards: When Fergie Met Messi, Guardiola, Blatter and...Shakira

The season is entering the business end across the globe, but all involved in the top echelons of the football world were able to take a break and celebrate their achievements at the Ballon d'Or awards last night, including Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Shakira was on call to present awards and perform, as Sepp Blatter presented achievements such as Player of the Year, Goal of the Year and Coach of the Year to those who were deserving.

As expected, Barcelona came out the winners of the night, though Manchester United were also widely noted for their achievements, with Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic making the FIFA Pro World XI and Sir Alex Ferguson taking out the Presidential Award.

IBTimes UK Sport takes a look at the highlights and reactions on the night.