Image source, Getty Images

Never in doubt, was it? The Real Madrid superstar bows his head and takes a deep breath as a super-super-slow mo camera captures the moment his name is revealed.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal, Barcelona and France striker Thierry Henry, looking dapper in his bow-tie, wanders on to the stage with the golden envelope.

He is tasked with revealing the winner, and is joined by Fifa president Sepp Blatter for the big moment. Thierry will give it some va va voom for sure.

The moment we have all been waiting for. The 2014 Ballon d'Or winner is going to be announced. Ready?

Nadine Kessler: "My heart is beating madly at the moment. I don't think I ever thought in my life I would achieve this moment.

"Our club has had the tragedy of Junior Malanda and that has overshadowed everything over the past few days, we are struggling to come to terms with that.

"Without my team-mates and my coach, this would never have bee possible. I have a great degree of gratitude that I must give to my family. They have seen me through all the difficult times."

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Nadine Kessler, the Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder, is overcome with emotion as her name is read out. The Kongresshaus in Zurich rises to its feet to applaud the 26-year-old as she walks to the stage to collect her award.

Image source, Getty Images

A final reminder of the nominees....

Nadine Kessler (Germany)

Marta (Brazil)

Abby Wambach (United States)

Can Neuer become the first goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or? *Five-minute warning klaxon* We're are about to find out shortly.

Firstly, it is time for the Fifa Women's Player of the Year....

Pep Guardiola on Manuel Neuer: "He's the best ever in the world. He's a great, great man. He's smart, he anticipates the actions, he's very good with his feet. He controls, he dominates absolutely everything."

Time to hear all the lowdown on the final Ballon d'Or nominee - Germany and Bayern Munich sweeper - sorry, keeper - Manuel Neuer. He is quizzed by German-speaking presenter Kate Abdo, before listening to a message from his Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.

Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez: "I'd like to thank everybody who has voted for me. This was a very special moment for me and everybody in Colombia. I'm very happy."

Watch the Real Madrid man's stunning volley against Uruguay in the World Cup quarter-final in the 'Highlights' tab on this page.

Image source, Getty Images

Christian Karembeu, who I'm sure scored many outrageous goals in his career, opens up the golden envelope. Irish striker Stephanie Roche closes her eyes and hopes for the best.

"And the winner is...James Rodriguez," mumbles the Frenchman. Stephanie can not hide that look of disappointment.

James Earl Kiawoin:, external Stephanie Roche's goal was pure magic. It is the kind of goal that surprises you every time you watch it. Brilliant. Majestic.

Tom John:, external Robin van Persie's header is goal of the year. The improvisation and execution were unique. Never seen another goal like that.

Maarlon Fernandez:, external James Rodriguez is my pick for goal of the year - to do that type of volley in such a match is amazing!! What Technique!!

Image source, Inpho

This award - named after legendary Hungary and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskas - is given to the player who scored 2014's most spectacular goal.

The three nominees are:

Ireland's Stephanie Roche for her stunning strike for Peamount United.

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie for his diving header against Spain.

Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez for his thumping volley against Uruguay.

Want to relive those goals again? Of course you do. Click the 'highlights' tab on this page to watch them.

Middlesbrough fans - one for you. A blast from the past as ex-Boro (and Real Madrid and Sampdoria) midfielder Christian Karembeu adds a serious element to proceedings. He speaks about the world's fight against Ebola, supported by messages from Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Philipp Lahm. "Avoid body contact," blurts out a stern-looking Ronaldo.

Image source, Getty Images

Not long until the winner of this award is revealed. But before that, we have time for a quick word with each of the nominees as Martha, Abby Wambach and Nadine Kessler pop on to the stage for a quick chat.

Wambach talks about the forthcoming World Cup, before stepping in as Portuguese-speaker Martha's translator.

An aghast Cristiano Ronaldo stares at the stage as Bastian Baker does his thing. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is almost scowling. Don't think they're going to listen to the free CD of his that they were given in their Ballon d'Or goody bag.

Time for a musical interlude. Bastian Baker, the fresh-faced Swiss popster (of course), does the honours. He enthusiastically blasts into his 'hit '79 Clinton Street' as a room full of footballers stare, less enthusiastically, at the stage.

We have gone all Eurovision. Where's Dana International when you need her...