Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to win Ballon d'Or 2016

[SherDil]

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have now won the past nine Ballon d'Or awards between them

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo beat rival Lionel Messi to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for a fourth time.

The 31-year-old is now one behind Barcelona's Messi, who took the honour for a fifth time last year.

Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann finished third in the vote.

Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win last season's Champions League and scored three goals as Portugal won Euro 2016.

He has now won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, with Messi the only other recipient of the award since winning it for the first time in 2009.

"I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy," said Ronaldo.

"I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award."

The former Manchester United forward has scored 19 goals in 20 games for club and country this term, to add to the 54 he got last season.

Ballon d'Or winners
2016: Cristiano Ronaldo 2009: Lionel Messi
2015: Lionel Messi 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo 2007: Kaka
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo 2006: Fabio Cannavaro
2012: Lionel Messi 2005: Ronaldinho
2011: Lionel Messi 2004: Andriy Shevchenko
2010: Lionel Messi 2003: Pavel Nedved
Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale finished sixth in the vote, while Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy - the only Englishman included on the 30-player shortlist - was eighth.

The Ballon d'Or is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

It has been awarded by France Football every year since 1956, but for the past six years it became the Fifa Ballon d'Or in association with world football's governing body and was awarded to the world's best player.

However, Fifa ended its association with the award in September.

Fifa will hand out its own prize for the world's best men's player, along with the best women's player and team of the year, at the Best Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Zurich on 9 January.

Ronaldo's 2016 in numbers

Ronaldo has said that 2016 has been his best year

• 42 games, 38 goals, 14 assists

• Third best minutes-per-goal rate - 83.68 - of anyone scoring a minimum of 10 goals across Europe's top five leagues during 2016, behind Luis Suarez (82.57) and Falcao (59.6)

• Directly involved in 39 La Liga goals in 30 games - 31 scored and nine assists.

From sixth... to the winner

France Football counted down the ranking on their Twitter feed, starting with West Ham's Dimitri Payet and Real Madrid team-mates Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who finished joint 17th in the vote.

They got down to announcing Bale in sixth at around 19:00 GMT before suddenly jumping to the winner and completely missing out fifth to second.

Seventy minutes after Ronaldo was confirmed as the latest recipient of the Ballon d'Or, Messi finally discovered that he had finished as runner-up.

An excellent year, but Messi misses out

Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or in 2015
Ronaldo was favourite to win the award after a stellar year for club and country.

But Messi had also been in superb form, helping Barcelona win La Liga last season as well as scoring 50 goals in 50 games in 2016.

He also played in the Copa America for Argentina in the summer, scoring five goals, but missed a penalty in the final as Chile won the shootout 4-2.

He announced his international retirement following that defeat but reversed his decision in August.

How did the Premier League players do?

Riyad Mahrez was named BBC African Footballer of the Year on the same day as the Ballon d'Or winner was announced
Eight Premier League players had made it on to the 30-player shortlist, with five making it into the top 17.

Vardy was joined in the top 10 by his Leicester City team-mate and PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez, who finished seventh in the vote, with both players being recognised for their part in a stunning season for the Foxes as they won the 2015-16 title.

Manchester United also had two players in the top 17, with Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic 13th and French midfielder Paul Pogba, who became the world's most expensive player when he joined the Red Devils from Juventus for £89m, 14th.

Also included among the nominees were Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne and Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38284552

@Sipahi @Doordie @Areesh @Mentee

 

[AUz]

Lol, it was expected even though anybody that knows even a tiny bit about soccer would know that Messi was far, far superior to Ronaldo this past year.

Messi's performance in the league, UEFA, and Copa America were absolutely world apart than all other soccer players including Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo's teams "won" more trophies and that why they kind of "had to" give it to him.

Still, Ronaldo stays under the shadow of Messi.

Btw, this season--Messi has been dominating Ronaldo again in terms of goal scored, assists, plays made, and so on.

Messi has scored 22 goals in 19 matches. Ronaldo has scored only 12 goals in 17 matches. Messi also got more assists than Ronaldo.


But I know few of my friends who consistently argue "Ronaldo" to be better than Messi. I go like "Why"? They are like "because he is!"



If you ask me why Messi is better than Ronaldo, I will give you a list of tactical and technical reasons (not my opinions)---but Ronaldo fans would never do that because they themselves know Messi is by far the greatest soccer player ever born (Superior than Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo, Beckham and what not).

 

[SherDil]

Lol, it was expected even though anybody that knows even a tiny bit about soccer would know that Messi was far, far superior to Ronaldo this past year.

Messi's performance in the league, UEFA, and Copa America were absolutely world apart than all other soccer players including Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo's teams "won" more trophies and that why they kind of "had to" give it to him.

Still, Ronaldo stays under the shadow of Messi.

Btw, this season--Messi has been dominating Ronaldo again in terms of goal scored, assists, plays made, and so on.

Same happens in last season as Ronaldo was far far ahead of Messi but as Messi won the treble he was awarded. Dude in the recenet years Ballon d'Or is given on the basis of trophies rather than on individual achievement.

@F86 Saber @ADIL SHERDIL @AZADPAKISTAN2009

 

[AUz]

Same happens in last season as Ronaldo was far far ahead of Messi but as Messi won the treble he was awarded. Dude Ballon d'Or is given on the basis of trophies rather than on individual achievement.

@F86 Saber @ADIL SHERDIL @AZADPAKISTAN2009

Are you kidding me? lol

Ronaldo wasn't "better" than Messi last year...he just had scored more goals. That's all.

Being better isn't just scoring goals--otherwise some unknown attackers from second grade European teams have scored more goals than Zidane since Zidane played in the Middle

Tell me how exactly Ronaldo was better than Messi last year when Messi completely decimated top teams like Bayern Munich in semi finals of UEFA, scored some of the most profilic goals, and assisted his team to victory in major trophies all by himself?

For example, look at this. In the semi final of world's most prestigious competition (UEFA Champions League, where level of competition is better than the world cup itself)--Messi takes on the world's BEST defense trio (Boateng, Lahm, and Neur--world's number 1 ranked goal keeper)---and he shreds them apart to take his team to the finals.

Show me anything even near to this from Ronaldo? It doesn't exist..

 

[SherDil]

he just had scored more goals.

perhaps u missed the entire scenario than.
There's no doubt that Messi is a world class player and has a talent beyond measures. But It's a common and if i use the more appropriate word is the Biased thinking not give the due respect to Ronaldo which he deserves. and i m not just blaming Messi fans, The CR7 fans also in the same level for being negative and disrespecting Messi.

 

[AUz]

perhaps u missed the entire scenario than.
There's no doubt that Messi is a world class player and has a talent beyond measures. But It's a common and if i use the more appropriate word is the Biased thinking not give the due respect to Ronaldo which he deserves. and i m not just blaming Messi fans, The CR7 fans also in the same level for being negative and disrespecting Messi.

I am not biased against Ronaldo. He is definitely one of the hardest working, talented, and greatest soccer player of all time. There have been seasons where he outshined Messi completely. However, last year it was all Messi. I am just stating facts.

Moreover, Messi is a superior player to Ronaldo. That's just a fact stated by almost ALL the top players and managers of soccer. You think they are all biased? Why would a French top player like Henry--who played with Messi AND Ronaldo in different teams--be biased towards Messi and against Ronaldo? How about Rooney who was a great friend of Ronaldo and played with him on the same team but stated Messi to be a greater player than Ronaldo?

You see, its not biased to say that Messi is better than Ronaldo. Far Better.

Should I call an indian biased if they say Kohli is better than Umar Akmal? lol..I can like Umar Akmal more than Kohli---but fact remain that Kohli is a league apart than any Pakistani batsman right now

 

[SherDil]

who played with Messi AND Ronaldo in different teams

Henry played alongside Ronaldo

Messi is a superior player to Ronaldo

Indeed he's superior, but the fact is Ballon d'Or has a different history. As per my knowledge it's more likely to be given on the base of trophies and Ronaldo gets these trophies last season. (UCL, UEFA Euro)

 

[Green Ranger]

I think messi and ronaldo time will be soon up , after 2 years i can see players like Griezmann and Neymar competing for the trophy

Plus FIFA has there own awards now after break away from Ballon D Or

As a Die hard Man utd Fan im eagerly waiting for glory days to back , which might take 2 more years as well if we keep on sticking with one manager , rather than changing every season or 2

 

[SherDil]

if we keep on sticking with one manager , rather than changing every season or 2

Feels like José Mourinho is the next to exit like LVG and David Moyes.

 

[Green Ranger]

Feels like José Mourinho is the next to exit like LVG and David Moyes.

I hope not , the overall playing style has improved under Jose

 

[Dawood Ibrahim]

RONALD deserved it all thought im not his fan because of his behavior. Nevertheless Congratulations to him



Messi is by far the greatest soccer player ever born (Superior than Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo, Beckham and what not).


@SherDil007

I think messi and ronaldo time will be soon up , after 2 years i can see players like Griezmann and Neymar competing for the trophy

Plus FIFA has there own awards now after break away from Ballon D Or

As a Die hard Man utd Fan im eagerly waiting for glory days to back , which might take 2 more years as well if we keep on sticking with one manager , rather than changing every season or 2

Man utd lacks finishing touch.



I don't see that anytime soon. Neymar is a good But not up their. Unless the media makes him a super star like Beckham instead of Gigs



@AUz

Messi is by far the greatest soccer player ever born (Superior than Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo, Beckham and what not).


If Messi is Messi because his teammates made him Messi with al due respect he might be best players but his support is very good unlike MARADONA who was almost alone and became is famous because of his crosses while PELE cruyff Geroge best Van basten RONALD Ronaldinho for me are All up beyond Messi reach

 

[Areesh]

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have now won the past nine Ballon d'Or awards between them

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo beat rival Lionel Messi to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for a fourth time.

The 31-year-old is now one behind Barcelona's Messi, who took the honour for a fifth time last year.

Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann finished third in the vote.

Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win last season's Champions League and scored three goals as Portugal won Euro 2016.

He has now won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, with Messi the only other recipient of the award since winning it for the first time in 2009.

"I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy," said Ronaldo.

"I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award."

The former Manchester United forward has scored 19 goals in 20 games for club and country this term, to add to the 54 he got last season.

Ballon d'Or winners
2016: Cristiano Ronaldo 2009: Lionel Messi
2015: Lionel Messi 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo 2007: Kaka
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo 2006: Fabio Cannavaro
2012: Lionel Messi 2005: Ronaldinho
2011: Lionel Messi 2004: Andriy Shevchenko
2010: Lionel Messi 2003: Pavel Nedved
Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale finished sixth in the vote, while Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy - the only Englishman included on the 30-player shortlist - was eighth.

The Ballon d'Or is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

It has been awarded by France Football every year since 1956, but for the past six years it became the Fifa Ballon d'Or in association with world football's governing body and was awarded to the world's best player.

However, Fifa ended its association with the award in September.

Fifa will hand out its own prize for the world's best men's player, along with the best women's player and team of the year, at the Best Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Zurich on 9 January.

Ronaldo's 2016 in numbers
View attachment 359944


Ronaldo has said that 2016 has been his best year

• 42 games, 38 goals, 14 assists

• Third best minutes-per-goal rate - 83.68 - of anyone scoring a minimum of 10 goals across Europe's top five leagues during 2016, behind Luis Suarez (82.57) and Falcao (59.6)

• Directly involved in 39 La Liga goals in 30 games - 31 scored and nine assists.

From sixth... to the winner
View attachment 359945
France Football counted down the ranking on their Twitter feed, starting with West Ham's Dimitri Payet and Real Madrid team-mates Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who finished joint 17th in the vote.

They got down to announcing Bale in sixth at around 19:00 GMT before suddenly jumping to the winner and completely missing out fifth to second.

Seventy minutes after Ronaldo was confirmed as the latest recipient of the Ballon d'Or, Messi finally discovered that he had finished as runner-up.

An excellent year, but Messi misses out
View attachment 359946
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or in 2015
Ronaldo was favourite to win the award after a stellar year for club and country.

But Messi had also been in superb form, helping Barcelona win La Liga last season as well as scoring 50 goals in 50 games in 2016.

He also played in the Copa America for Argentina in the summer, scoring five goals, but missed a penalty in the final as Chile won the shootout 4-2.

He announced his international retirement following that defeat but reversed his decision in August.

How did the Premier League players do?
View attachment 359947
Riyad Mahrez was named BBC African Footballer of the Year on the same day as the Ballon d'Or winner was announced
Eight Premier League players had made it on to the 30-player shortlist, with five making it into the top 17.

Vardy was joined in the top 10 by his Leicester City team-mate and PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez, who finished seventh in the vote, with both players being recognised for their part in a stunning season for the Foxes as they won the 2015-16 title.

Manchester United also had two players in the top 17, with Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic 13th and French midfielder Paul Pogba, who became the world's most expensive player when he joined the Red Devils from Juventus for £89m, 14th.

Also included among the nominees were Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne and Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38284552

@Sipahi @Doordie @Areesh @Mentee

Barca fans right now.

 

[AUz]

If Messi is Messi because his teammates made him Messi with al due respect he might be best players but his support is very good unlike MARADONA who was almost alone and became is famous because of his crosses while PELE cruyff Geroge best Van basten RONALD Ronaldinho for me are All up beyond Messi reach

Wrong.

People said Messi is Messi because of Ronaldinho

Ronaldino Retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

People said Messi is Messi because of Xavi.

Xavi retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

People said Messi is Messi because of Henry.

Henry retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

And today, people still say "Messi is messi because of his support"



lol. See how flawed this logic is?

Messi is Messi because he is undoubtedly the best player of all time. Pele and Maradona didn't face the level of competition that Messi faces in Europe---and he still DOMINATES European league(s).

 

[el che]

Wrong.

People said Messi is Messi because of Ronaldinho

Ronaldino Retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

People said Messi is Messi because of Xavi.

Xavi retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

People said Messi is Messi because of Henry.

Henry retired. Messi still remained on top and made Barcelona the world champions

And today, people still say "Messi is messi because of his support"



lol. See how flawed this logic is?

Messi is Messi because he is undoubtedly the best player of all time. Pele and Maradona didn't face the level of competition that Messi faces in Europe---and he still DOMINATES European league(s).

Maradona played in weak teams like Argentina and Napoli and made them champions. Messi may be the most skilled but he doesn't have the killer instinct and big match sucess like Maradona. He spent his entire career in the best club assisted by the best.

 

[Sipahi]

Dude Ballon d'Or is given on the basis of trophies rather than on individual achievement.

@F86 Saber @ADIL SHERDIL @AZADPAKISTAN2009

In 2012–13 Real Madrid C.F. only won super cup but Ronaldo Managed to win Ballon D'or.

In 2013–14 Real Madrid C.F. won Cup double and Ronaldo won Ballon d'or.

It was always about lobby not about achievements.