Messi wins another Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d'Or for a staggering fifth time, receiving 41% of the vote and finishing well ahead of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Neymar.
The Argentinian wizard received the gong at a typically glitzy and overblown ceremony in Zurich last night as he was recognised for inspiring Barca to five trophies in 2015, including a fifth European Cup.
FA Cup draw
The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup also took place last night and proved favourable for the majority of the Premier League’s top sides, with Arsenal drawn at home to Burnley, Chelsea away at Northampton Town or MK Dons and Manchester City away at Wycombe Wanderers or Aston Villa.
Manchester United have been handed a tricky fourth round trip to high flying Championship side Derby County, and tonight Louis van Gaal's side will look to put another poor performance at the weekend behind themas they travel to play Newcastle in the league.
In tonight’s other games Bournemouth welcome West Ham to Dean Court while struggling Villa take on Crystal Palace.
Munster Ireland’s basket-case
In his column today Gerry Thornley looks at Munster in the wake of the province's Champions Cup exit following last Saturday's 27-7 defeat to 14-man Stade Francais.
He suggests Munster are Irish rugby’s “biggest basketcase,” and that they are paying the price for years of mismanagement with the golden generation now just a distant memory.
He writes: “First and foremost, the playing squad is not as good as the relatively golden years of 2000 to 2008. On Saturday’s evidence, nowhere near it”
Wallace says Foley needs a hand
Meanwhile former Munster, Lions and Ireland flanker David Wallace has suggested Munster's inexperienced coaching set-up, led by Anthony Foley, should look for an outside voice to help get things back on track, he said: "You would think that Axel (Foley) does need some help in terms of someone who has been there and done it before."
Pienaar pays tribute to Best
Ulster are now the last province standing in the Champions Cup and Ruan Pienaar has paid tribute to Rory Best after he delivered a rallying call as his side trailed 23-0 to Oyonnax at half time.
Pienaar said: “It was harsh words but they were needed. I think everyon responded well. He’s been a great leader this season and in past seasons. It’s great to have his captaincy and leadership.”
Championship structure might not change
Elsewhere with the shape and format of the GAA's senior intercounty football championship due to be discussed next weekend, association president Aogán Ó Fearghail has accepted the counties at next Saturday's Central Council meeting may simplydecide to stick with the current structures.
Harrington lays down a marker
Padraig Harrington has laid down a marker for 2016 after he finished tied for sixth in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. The competition was won by Jordan Spieth, who obliterated the rest of the field finishing 30 under par.
What to watch out for:
Football
Manchester United travel to play Newcastle in the Premier League tonight (BT Sport 1, 7.45pm ko), while elsewhere Bournemouth take on West Ham and Aston Villa play Crystal Palace.
