Gerard Pique had another tremendous year and he is in contention for the Ballon d'Or in this second nomination.
Last year, the Spanish defender finished last in voting among the top 23 with 0.22 percent of the vote.
This year Pique had a solid year for Barcelona, but was unable to help his side win the Spanish League trophy. However, he was a major part of Spain's tremendous Euro 2012 victory as he formed a tremendous tandem with Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos on the back end. He was particularly spectacular in a match against France in the quarter final as he kept such threats as Karim Benzema at bay and against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the semi-final.
Unfortunately, Pique got off to a rough start in the 2012-13 season as an injury in a Champions League Match left him out for a few months.
Best Moment of the Year: Aside from the impending birth of his child, winning the Euro with Spain in June and being part of the core of Spanish players to win their third straight major tournament in four years.
Chances of Top Three Placement: None. Unfortunately, the injuries are only one of many factors playing against Pique. He is one of seven Spaniards on this list and of those seven three won the Spanish Championship and the Euro. One of those is defender Sergio Ramos and he alone would top Pique in voting if defenders were being considered. The fact that other players like Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta are on the list also does not help Pique's cause.