The phenomenal early season form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, each with 15 goals in 12 games, has got discussion of this year’s FIFA Ballon d'Or heating up already, some ten weeks ahead of its January ceremony. But according to Spanish coach Vincente Del Bosque, the eventual winner could well lie beyond La Liga's superstars.

The 61-year-old this week tipped Italy’s Andrea Pirlo to walk away with the honour, who he describes as “the complete player, able to build the game and finish it” with a very real shot of being crowned the best player of 2012. Here are five reasons why we think he might just be right...

Time for a change?

Leo Messi has won for three years in a row now and there’s a sense that voters – international team captains and respected journalists from across the globe – may be swayed by the idea of opening up the competition. No player in the award’s 56-year history has won more than three times (Michel Platini was the last, dominating the competition between 1983 and 1985) and it is predicted that, despite Messi scoring an unprecedented 82 goals last season, the fact he failed to win any major silverware may count against him. "Messi had a fantastic season but he has not won that much and he has already won the Ballon d'Or three times,” says Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “It's now someone else's turn to win it." Should that be the case, Pirlo would surely be in with as much of a shout as anyone.

His incredible club record

Pirlo last year engineered an amazing 28th title victory for Juventus and now has now gone 22 months without losing a Serie A fixture. "Andrea is a unique player," says fellow Serie A legend Paolo Maldini. "For many reasons, he is unmatched throughout the world.”

His Euro 2012 masterclass

“I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season,” said Andrea Pirlo before he had even kicked a ball at the Euros. It’s hard to argue with the man – the 33-year-old was three times named man-of-the-match as Italy progressed to the final to face Spain and was described as “unplayable” by his opponents. He contributed two assists and a beautiful goal from a free-kick in the group stages before rolling a sublime ‘Panenka’ penalty past a helpless Joe Hart to eliminate England in the quarter-finals. The Azzurri eventually succumbed to Spain’s neat passing game in the final but the class he exuded in that game and throughout the tournament was unheralded.

He has both style and substance

The short passing style of Barcelona's superstars doesn't appeal to all – last year it was criticised in some quarters as “boring” and not in keeping with the entertainment of European football at its finest. In contrast, there’s a classic edge to Pirlo’s play that is almost impossible to dislike – pulling the strings in the Juve midfield, he has both the passing ability of his Spanish counterparts (in Italy’s Euro 2012 clash with England he made more passes than the entire English midfield combined) but approaches goal with a directness that appeals to older members of the football fraternity. Former Ballon d’Or winner Luisito Suarez echoes this sentiment and thinks Pirlo has the edge over fellow contender Xavi for the prize:  “These are two champions with a great sense of positioning and know how to pick the right moment to start a move. They both have experience and technique. They are similar players, but in my view Pirlo has more of a range, can spread the play more and seek the longer passes.”

He deserves the recognition

Whatever you make of the other candidates for January’s prize it’s hard to deny what a fantastic career Pirlo has had and how thoroughly he deserves the recognition of a FIFA Ballon d'Or award. One of the best deep-lying midfield playmakers the world has seen, Pirlo has done it all and done it in impeccable style, from winning the 2006 World Cup-winner with Italy to his two Champions League triumphs with AC Milan. At 33, Pirlo is nearing retirement age. What better way to pay tribute to a unique career than with one of football's most prestigious individual honours?

--

Follow Icons on Twitter for all the latest football news, chat and competitions: @icons_football

An Andrea Pirlo masterclass and another painful penalty shootout, and England are heading home early from Euro 2012. You might expect Icons' London HQ to be a sombre place today, but instead of wallowing in England-induced misery, we’re doing our best to look on the bright side...

While Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney may be packing their bags, we are delighted to have three international Icons competing in the semi-finals of Euro 2012. We're all about the world's best players at Icons, and these three are probably the best of the tournament so far.

Andrea Pirlo
“I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season,” so said Andrea Pirlo before he had even kicked a ball at the Euros. That self-confidence and class was all too evident for England last night, as his sublime 'Panenka' penalty rolled into the net past a helpless Joe Hart. Pirlo's form in Poland and Ukraine has been superb. As well as his stunning man-of-the-match performance in the quarter-final against England, he contributed two assists and a beautiful goal from a free-kick as Italy qualified from Group C along with Spain. We are delighted to have his signed Italy shirt available for pre-order HERE.

Andrés Iniesta
At Barcelona, a certain Leo Messi tends to grab the headlines, but for Spain at Euro 2012, there can be little doubt that Andrés Iniesta has been the main man. Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has been criticised for flooding his side with midfielders at the expense of an out-and-out striker, but with playmakers of Iniesta's quality at his disposal, who can blame him?! Iniesta has been the crucial difference for La Roja throughout the tournament. He is a player capable of unpicking even the most crowded defences, and was named man-of-the-match in their Group C games against both Italy and Croatia. Buy his signed shirt, boot or photo HERE.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Last but certainly not least is Cristiano Ronaldo. The irrepressible Portuguese has got people thinking he might just win Portugal the trophy on his own. After a superb brace against the Netherlands in Group B and a brilliant headed winner in Portugal’s quarter-final against the Czech Republic, the Portugal skipper finds himself as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with three goals, and faces a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Iniesta’s Spain. Never one to pass up an opportunity to score, Ronaldo has had more shots at Euro 2012 than the entire England squad combined. Get 1/3 off his signed Portugal photo HERE.

---

View Icons' full range of signed Euro 2012 products HERE

Follow Icons on Twitter @icons_football

In Spain's 1-1 draw with Italy on Sunday, Andrés Iniesta found himself getting the Diego Maradona treatment...

This classic photo of Maradona was taken when Argentina played Belgium at the 1982 World Cup. 20 years later at Euro 2012, Spain's midfield master Iniesta found out that some things never change.

Keep an eye out for Icons' next signing with Iniesta, when we'll be sure to add this amazing photo to our collection.

---

Buy a personally signed Maradona Takes On Belgium photo HERE

View Icons' full range of signed Iniesta shirts, boots and photos HERE

Follow Icons on Twitter @icons_football

Euro 2012 is upon us. In anticipation of what promises to be a memorable and competitive tournament, Icons have been busy compiling the predictions and opinions of an esteemed panel of football experts, partners and friends. Read on to find out who our panellists think will shine at Euro 2012, and don't forget to enter our competition to win a boot personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta or Wayne Rooney here.

So, if our panel is to be believed, 2012 will probably be Germany's year. 20 of our 31 panellists plumped for Joachim Löw's side, while holders and tournament favourite's Spain received a meagre five votes. The only other sides mentioned were Netherlands, France and Italy, so not a single vote for poor old England! France's Karim Benzema was our panellists' favourite for top scorer, with nine votes, while Icon Robin Van Persie was a close second with eight. There were mentions for Germany's Mario Gomez and Spain's Fernando Torres, and a couple of brave souls opted for more obscure names.

Thanks to all who contributed, we were only sorry that our friends Lars and Emmanuel from UEFA had to sit out in the interest of neutrality! Anyway, without further ado, here's the full list...

Dan Jamieson
Dan is Icons' Managing Director and a big Liverpool fan.
Winners: Germany
Runners up:  Netherlands
Top scorer: Jelavic (Croatia)

Edward Freedman
Edward is the CEO of Icons. He previously worked for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United
Winners: France
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Benzema (France)

Ben Soley
Ben is the Icons Marketing and Promotions Executive and also a Liverpool fan.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema (France)

Margaret Plunkett
Margaret is Customer Services Manager for Icons and a proud Gooner.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Ronaldo (Portugal)

Nick Wright
Nick deals with Icons' editorial. Another Arsenal fan and our resident tweeter.
Winners: Spain
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Torres (Spain)
Follow Nick on Twitter @nicholaspwright

Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan is the editor of The Blizzard. He is a football writer and author of numerous books about football.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)
Follow Jonathan on Twitter @jonawils

Iain Macintosh
Iain Macintosh is a football writer for The New Paper, among others. He is also an author and ex-Icons employee.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Holland
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)
Follow Iain on Twitter @iainmacintosh

Jeff Stephens
Jeff is head honcho at our US partners World Soccer Shop.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Netherlands
Top scorer: Gomez (Germany)
Follow World Soccer Shop on Twitter @worldsoccershop

Adrian Clarke
Adrian is a former Arsenal player and a football journalist. He is the owner of Sport Media Solutions
Winners: Spain
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema (France)
Follow Adrian on Twitter @sms_adrian

Ryan Herman
Ryan works at Sky and is former editor of Sky Sports Magazine.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Russia
Top scorer: Kerzhakov (Russia)

Dan Willis
Dan is editor of BT football website Life's A Pitch.
Winners: Spain
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Benzema (France)
Follow Life's A Pitch on Twitter @BTLifesapitch

John Timmins
John is a designer working for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Winners: Netherlands
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)
Follow John on Twitter @statto23

David Cartlidge
David is a Spanish football expert and freelance writer.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Benzema (France)
Follow David on Twitter @davidjaca

Harm Jan Deuring
Harm is a founder of Dutch football website Voetbal Zone.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Klose (Germany)

Daniel Colasimone
Daniel is an Argentina-based football journalist and editor of Argentina Football World.
Winners: Italy
Runners up: Netherlands
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)
Follow Daniel on Twitter @ArgentinaFW

Jon Davie
Jon is Managing Director of Icons' parent company Zone Content.
Winners: France
Runners up: Netherlands
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)

Huw Davies
Huw is a writer and sub-editor for our friends at Four Four Two.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Benzema (France)
Follow Huw on Twitter @thehuwdavies

Ollie Stretton
Ollie is another member of the editorial team at Four Four Two.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema (France)

David Learmonth
David is Business Development Manager for Innovative Sports Group, holders of the Olympic memorabilia licence.
Winners: Netherlands
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Gomez (Germany)

Steve Ryan
Steve, formerly of Icons, is now Head of Marketing at Fantasy League.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Italy
Top scorer: Balotelli (Italy)

Laura England
Laura is Head of Buying at Sports Endeavors
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema (France)

Vicente Navarro
Vicente also works at Sports Endeavors.
Winners: Spain
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Torres (Spain)

Back Page Football
Back Page Football is a great website providing excellent Euro 2012 coverage.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)
Follow BPF on Twitter @bpfootball

Finbarr Bermingham
Finbarr is an Irish journalist and former editorial intern at Icons.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Lewandowski (Poland)
Follow Finbarr on Twitter @fbermingham

Mike Grady
Mike is a freelance journalist and another former Icons intern.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Gomez (Germany)
Follow Mike on Twitter @mikegrady87

James Appell
James is a sports writer for ITV and a Russian football expert.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema (France)
Follow James on Twitter @jamesappell

Chris Gibbons
Chris is a freelance sports writer at Zone Content.
Winners: France
Runners up: Russia
Top scorer: Kerzhakov (Russia)

Paul Tonna
Paul comes from Malta and is one of Icons' best customers.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Gomez (Germany)

Penny Anderson
Penny works for our adwords agency Reform.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Netherlands
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)

Steve Darcy
Steve works for Icons' framers One Vision.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Van Persie (Netherlands)

Nuno Almeida
Nuno is one of Icons best customers.
Winners: Spain
Runners up: Germany
Top scorer: Llorente (Spain)

---

Check out Icons's amazing range of signed products for Euro 2012 HERE

Euro 2012 is almost upon us, and Icons are offering you the chance to win a fantastic signed prize from one of its biggest stars. All you have to do is predict the winner of Euro 2012. If your prediction is successful, you could be the proud owner of a signed boot from Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney or Andrés Iniesta.
To enter click HERE - it only takes 30 seconds!

So, will Iker Casillas and Spain retain their title? Or maybe you fancy France? Or Germany? Or England, Russia or Poland? Make your pick and enter the competition here.

Good luck! And make sure you follow Icons on Twitter @icons_football and 'like' us on Facebook for competition updates.

It's almost time... Euro 2012 kicks off in a matter of days, and we couldn't be more excited. Among those competing in Poland and Ukraine will be icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. But who will come out on top? Who, we ask, will get their hands on the trophy?
Read on for the *ahem* world famous Icons predictions...

BEN
Ben is Icons' Marketing, Promotions and Wholesale Executive and a big Liverpool fan.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Ibrahimovic or Benzema
Player of the Tournament: Wesley Sneijder
Surprise packages: Ukraine, Pavlyuchenko, Cabaye and Lewandowski

DAN
Dan is our Managing Director and also a Liverpool fan.
Winners: Germany
Runners up:  Netherlands
Top scorer: Podolski or Jelavic
Player of the Tournament: Mesut Ozil
Surprise packages:  Croatia & Modric, Poland & Szczesny

MARGARET
Margaret is our Customer Services Manager and a proud Gooner.
Winners: Germany
Runners up: Spain
Top scorer: Ronaldo, Iniesta or Torres (all Icons!)
Player of the Tournament: Lukas Podolski
Surprise packages: England

NICK
Nick deals with Icons' editorial. Another Arsenal fan and our resident tweeter.
Winners: Spain
Runners up: France
Top scorer: Benzema or Torres
Player of the Tournament: Andrés Iniesta, and a shoutout to Germany's Mario Gotze
Surprise packages: Poland, The Ox and Mario Balotelli (he never fails to surprise)

Some Random Predictions:
"Stewart Downing gets an actual assist" - DAN
"A big name striker to pick up a serious injury in first half of their first game" - BEN
"Torres to remind us all that he's world class" - NICK
"Balotelli to get [at least one] red card" - MARGARET
"Spain get more and more tired and lose on penalties to someone ugly" - DAN
"Russia and Poland to cause a few surprises from Group A" - NICK
"Croatia to get to the semis" - BEN

Now predict your winner HERE for a chance to win an incredible signed boot from Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney or Andres Iniesta. For updates on the competition, follow us on Twitter @icons_football and 'like' our Facebook page.

---

Enter our Euro 2012 predictions competition for your chance to win a signed boot HERE

Check out Icons full range of signed products from Euro 2012's biggest stars HERE