The award ceremony to recognize the world’s best footballer was held in Zurich, Switzerland, and after FIFA’s usual extended buildup that included other awards and player interviews, it was time to find out who would be officially named as the best player in 2013. The contenders were Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery, who’s Bayern Munich side had won a whopping total of five trophies during 2013.
The winner was announced, and an emotional Ronaldo emerged onto the stage to accept the prestigious golden ball that Lionel Messi had held for the last four years.
“First of all, I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team,” Ronaldo said as he cried during his speech. “Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.”
“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level, I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved.”
2013 was an unbelievable year for Real Madrid and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo recorded 69 goals in 60 appearances; an astonishing tally even by his superhuman standards. Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s strongest competition for the 2013 Ballon d’Or prize, clocked a tally of 45 goals in 46 appearances. While Messi had a great year also, he didn’t quite reach the heights that the football world has become accustomed to seeing him reach over the last few years.
Ronaldo was far from a surprise to take home the prize this year, and to be fair it would have been a travesty if he hadn’t. The Portuguese winger reminded everyone all season long last year that Messi is not the undisputed world no.1, as the Argentinian was considered untouchable in recent years. While Messi is still considered by many to be the world’s greatest footballer, Ronaldo certainly has his share of support as well.
2014 could now prove to be a fascinating battle between the two greatest players in the world, Messi will be desperate to prove that he is still the best player in the world, while Ronaldo will be looking to stamp his authority all over European Football by outshining Messi for a second consecutive year.
Whatever happens in the race to be the best, all Football fans can consider themselves extremely lucky to be watching two of the greatest players of all time producing electrifying Football every week for club and country.
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Main Photo Credit: David Ramos via Zimbio
