Ronaldo: Won Ballon d'Or
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Ronaldo confirmed as best in world
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was on Tuesday confirmed as the winner of the 2008 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres.
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The prestigious award was confirmed at 2am on Tuesday morning by France Football magazine, who present the trophy based on a poll of 96 top journalists.
The Portugal winger came second in last year's poll, behind Brazil star Kaka, but his outstanding form last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions for United, ensured he took top billing this time.
The 23-year-old's coronation was a resounding one, with 77 of the 96 writers voting him as their number one player of the year in a poll which formerly rewarded Europe's best player, but has been expanded to include players from all over the world.
Each voter names five players on their final ballot, awarding five points to their first choice and one point to their fifth.
Ronaldo's was the only name to appear on each of the 96 ballots, polling 446 points out of a maximum 480.
Barcelona's Messi and Liverpool forward Torres were rewarded for fine seasons of their own, by earning the silver and bronze positions but were some way short of challenging the heavily-tipped Ronaldo, with respective returns of 267 and 165 points.
Ronaldo scored 42 goals last season to propel United to glory in both the Premier League and Champions League, adding a further four international goals.
His summer efforts at Euro 2008 were overshadowed by a long-running transfer tussle involving Real Madrid but his achievements continue to be recognised.
The 23-year-old is already FIFPro World Player of the Year and also took the top domestic prizes from the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers last season.
Ronaldo's latest triumph makes him the first United player to claim the Ballon d'Or since George Best in 1968 and the third Portuguese winner after Eusebio and Luis Figo.
An ankle injury prevented Ronaldo from taking his sterling form into the start of this term, but he has been quick to find his stride since returning to fitness, scoring nine times.
In an exclusive interview with France Football, Ronaldo said: "It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child.
"Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it.
"I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me."
Ronaldo admitted he was proud to be take the honour ahead of a host of world stars.
"I am only 23 years old and it is splendid, incredible," he continued.
"There were other great names this year. I see that Lionel Messi finished second and Fernando Torres third, but also (fifth-placed) Xavi...all these people could have taken the trophy and I won it."
Ominously for Premier League defences, Ronaldo also insisted that winning the award had only made him thirsty for more.
"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.
"But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates who allowed me to be the best.
"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will awake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."
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Your Comments
a_moh (Liverpool fan)
"As much as I hate this guy must admith he deserved and anyone who is saying he didn't, can't name a player that was better than him last season (with stats). Also his fottball antics brings entertaintment to the game, sort of like a more cocky Henry, so annoying yet funny. "
StvC (Liverpool fan)
"Much has I hate to admit it, he was inspirational last season. His arrogance outshines his skill though. Which is always gonna get abuse. If he just played the game as its meant to be then no one would ever give him grief. Yes he is a diver and a sulk, but its coming more and more into the game, as much as I hate him doing it Stevie G is doing it more and more, suppose its a case of 'cant beat em, join em' syndrome. YNWA!"
Starsky (Manchester United fan)
"Congratulations to Ronaldo - fully deserved and no player on the planet matched him!! Messi and Torres were no where near Ronaldo's score!!"
stealthboi (Arsenal fan)
"yangguo, Manchester United fan
siralexsoldier, Manchester United fan
in case u pple doesnt know, gerrard has more assist than ronaldo last season.but still, 42 goals is great
wbabrummyroad, West Bromwich Albion fan. i agree with u
"
van basten
"oh, come on! messi was just dribbling n beating players during that champions league game. he practically did nothing!"
siralexsoldier (Manchester United fan)
"to put it bluntly if messi was so good, why didnt he score when it rli mattered in the semi, or conjure up an assist? running around like a dancing pony does not make u the best player in the world... consistency, and end product, be it an assist, a sheer piece of skill 2 open up the defence to make a goal, or a goal is what makes u truly gr8. to rally ur players, to be the integral part of ur team, and to constantly deliver... a la ronaldo 42 goals and god knws hw many assists.. makes u the best player in the world... he deserved it. end of story! his behaviour is another issue. the guy has taken so much stick, but still he smiles? haha the jokes on all the haters, him and united and every1 associated with united r the 1 who had the last laugh! and thts the way it is! dont gime rubbish excuses and al this hatred for ronaldo... it jus makes this news even more sweeter! ggmu!"
wbabrummyroad (West Bromwich Albion fan)
""Roofan" Im not saying that no other player dives, but the endless amount of times that Ronaldo does it. Yeah the 42 goals he got were amazing, but im guessing you saw the match when Barca went down to Old Trafford, then you saw the sheer class of Messi took on some world class players as if they werent there, Ronaldo has become too predictable and repetative with the little tricks he does. "
yangguo (Manchester United fan)
"CR deserved this award more than any player based on his superb performance in all competitions last seasons. To some Loserpool fans here, even if we take away those controversial diving penalties, say 15~20 penalties (which is obviously ridiculous) but he still managed to score >20 goals based on decent efforts. Not forgetting his assist in all competitions as well. Who can match that??? Steve G? This clown always tried to dive whenever Loserpool is in a stalemate or chasing for a goal. He can't even get his diving correct & should have taken more lessons from CR. hahaha...I find there is nothing wrong about being arrogant if you are so damned good. Flaunt it if you have it. Others can only envy & jealous, which sadly most of the Loserpool fans are. Look at Cantona, though arrogant but is still touted as a genius of his time."
siralexsoldier (Manchester United fan)
"lol.... haters.... were talking about the best footballing talent in a year... and every1 knows for a fact ronaldo was the best in that year.... end of story.... 42 goals in a season? lol unheard of? yeh das rite. BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD... NUFF SAID... AND HE SAYS HE AINT EVEN REACHED HIS BEST YET? LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA GGMU!"
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