Balon D’Or goes to CR7

Speculations were high whether Cristiano Ronaldo, the talismanic Portuguese and Real Madrid’s legend in making, would be able to be holding on to the award. Lionel Messi, his old competitor was also in contention for the trophy. The other name which came up over the last few days owing to his sensational display was Manuel Neuer, the German Keeper who took his game to a different level. However in the end both Messi and Neuer were well behind the former Manchester United star after the voting process was over. And he was deservedly awarded the Balon D’Or. Messi got 15.76% and Neuer just above 15% of the votes while Ronaldo got more than 36% of those, clearly ahead of his competitors. Ronaldo has now won the trophy for the third time, two times on a row. The first time he won the trophy was back in 2009 when he used to don the Manchester United colours.

Photograph: The Guardian

The Puskas award for the goal of the year went to Ronaldo’s fellow mate at Madrid James Rodriguez for his excellent goal in the world cup in Colombian colours. His goal got more votes than the one scored by Robin Van Persie by a flying header against Spain in the world cup. Joachim Loew won the best coach of the year award while Nadine Kessler won the best Women’s player of the year award.

However all eyes were on the Portuguese star who did it for the third time. He is now one short of Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi who has four Balon D’Or beside him. Well the kind of form CR7 is in, it will be no surprise if he equals Messi on that front the very next year. Till then let just sit back and enjoy watching CR7 in the Real Madrid and Portuguese colours.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.