For the past few gone by years the world of football has been ruled by two of the greatest players of all time: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Majestic duo have played sublime and delightful football and have exhibited immense maturity, steady composure and consistent form in their game in past few seasons which makes them instrumental to their sides. Both have elevated their game to the new heights, breaking records and setting new standards in the world of football and therefore are widely tipped to win Ballon d’Or.
Bestow Cristiano Ronaldo his second Ballon d’Or!
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie has had a pretty impressive last season. Andres Iniesta remains excellent as always and others such as Neymar, Casillas and Pirlo have hit a purple patch. But for the foreseeable future, the Ballon d’Or seems to be a two-horse race.
However, the common unanimity amidst numerous fans worldwide would be that Messi is the globe’s best, with Ronaldo a close second. Messi is the overwhelming favorite to win the accolade. This notion has been reflected in the diminutive Argentinian reigning over the title of ‘World Player of the Year’, winning the honor back to back three times. Not anybody would argue that he has been a worthy winner, but surely it is about time Ronaldo was acknowledged for his prosperity at Real Madrid and Portugal over the past few seasons.
Since signing for Real Madrid in 2009 for a world-record fee, the Portuguese supreme with his brave and exciting style and with his stirring and powerful performances has led to resurgence of the club, ending their trophy less run. Ronaldo helped Real Madrid in securing Copa Del Rey in 2010-2011 season and then break Barcelona’s stranglehold on La Liga in 2012, with Los Blancos picking up the title, finishing well ahead of giants Barcelona.
Ronaldo has averaged more than a goal a game for Real, scoring 103 goals and netting 7 league hat-tricks each in last two seasons. He [along with Messi] surpassed the highest number of goals scored in a single La Liga season with games remaining. Ronaldo’s assist record is also a very healthy one. There is no way Real Madrid would have lay hold of these titles were it not for his consistently sparkling play on the field.
Ronaldo is a hard worker and a fighter and has done sufficiently well in the international arena, gleaming in the recent EURO 2012 with his sturdy performance and led an average Portuguese team to the semi-finals like a true leader but was and was unlucky not to help his country reach the final of the tournament in Poland/Ukraine.
Before arriving in Madrid in 2009 Ronaldo had great success in his last two years with Manchester United, scoring 68 goals as a winger and was key player for the Reds who captured back to back Premier League titles and won Champions League once. He excelled in Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 and is amongst the youngest players ever to reach 100 caps for his country.
Ronaldo has plenty of tricks up his sleeve and with the help of his lightning sprint, can take him past defenders as if they weren’t there. Ronaldo has at times pulled his sides to success by one’s skills.
He has also proved to be a versatile player and has provides his sides with his superior attributes. Ronaldo can leap and power head the ball into the net, his combination power and curve makes him a free kick specialists. He also is a brilliant penalty taker and since February 2012, he has scored 23 of 24 penalties for Real, which is nothing short of amazing.
Ronaldo was unfortunate to not win Ballon d’Or last year, when he scored most goals in La Liga in 2010-2011 because it did not lead to league title or other majors.
So this time around his achievements as a member of a team give him the edge. His goals and assists have delivered titles for Real Madrid I believe he should be bestowed with the Ballon d’Or. Messi with his personal feats is worthy of the honor too, for his astonishing 4th consecutive Ballon d’Or, but that would be harsh on Ronaldo.
In sincerity, Ronaldo deserves to win the award again, not just for his performances in last season, but over the span of the last four or five of his career in which he has played spectacular football for his clubs and country.
Tags: Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA Ballon d'Or, Football, Lionel Messi, Real Madrid, Robin Van Persie
