Cristiano Ronaldo woke up on Tuesday morning as World Player of the year for a second consecutive year and third time in total. The Real Madrid and
ADVERTISEMENTCristiano Ronaldo woke up on Tuesday morning as World Player of the year for a second consecutive year and third time in total.
The Real Madrid and Portugal international scored 61 goals across all competitions and helped his side to the club’s record tenth Champions League crown.
Achievements that, according to the 29-year-old, helped him to a deserved Ballon d’Or victory.
He said: “I’m not sure about nothing. I was hoping that I had a good chance but, in the beginning one day they mentioned the name, the heart started to beat fast and adrenaline and it’s a hard moment to be honest, but I think I deserve. Neuer deserve too and Messi but, last year I deserved more so I’m really pleased for that.”
Ronaldo beat habitual rival Lionel Messi into second while third went to Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who believes it’s a tall order for a shot-stopper to win the award.
He said: “It is always a real battle between a goalkeeper and a striker and it’s often not easy. Hopefully in the next few years, I can achieve new levels as a goalkeeper.”
Despite losing out this time Barcelona and Argentina star Messi remains the award’s most decorated player winning World player of the year four times (once as FIFA World Player of the Year and three times since that award merged with France Football’s Ballon d’Or).