Ronaldo's not perfect, but he deserves Ballon d'Or

Oliver Kay

It should, of course, be a landslide. When Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed as the second British-based player since 1968 to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, it should be by the kind of victorious margin usually seen in elections in those third-world republics where democracy exists only in the loosest sense.

But when the Manchester United forward picks up the award, edging out Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres, there will be more than just murmurs of dissent. From some quarters, there will be an outcry, with critics claiming that (a) he’s a cheat, (b) he’s a flat-track bully, (c) he did nothing in Euro 2008 and (d) he’s not a team player.

It can be difficult to warm to Ronaldo, whose talent is surpassed (yes, actually surpassed) by his ego. He can cut a preposterous figure — pouting, preening, praying, pleading for protection — while his behaviour in pushing for a move to Real Madrid last summer bordered on the reprehensible. But, as vices among sportsmen go, self-regard is hardly the worst. In terms of dedication to his art, he is a model professional.

A cheat? He likes a dive, but not as much as he once did. And last week, when even Wayne Rooney was guilty of simulation during United’s Champions League match away to Villarreal, Ronaldo was immense.

Team player? There is no way that Ronaldo would sacrifice himself for his team, as Rooney does, but he is an individualist by nature. While he could not perform as he does without the freedom that Rooney and others afford him, it takes a rare talent to merit such indulgence.

Flat-track bully? There is still mileage in this debate; his nine goals this season have all come at home to modest opponents and he made little impact in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona or, carrying an injury, for Portugal in Euro 2008. But, while the biggest games are rarely settled by individual talent, that did not stop him scoring last season in matches against Liverpool, Roma, Arsenal and, most memorably, Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Ronaldo is not perfect, but, whatever his motives, he is blessed with the character to make the most of his talent. Even Messi and Torres accept that his achievements this year have left them behind. What does the man himself think? “I’m first, second and third,” he said with typical modesty. Don’t you just love him?

Post-script: Ronaldo sent off against Manchester City yesterday. Repeat: he is not perfect. But he has been, for the past year, the outstanding player in world football. To say otherwise is nonsense.

Comments

[Hakan]

Compared to the likes of Messi and Torres I wouldn't disagree to honor Cristiano with the Ballon d'Or, because to them he is comparable and to me he clearly outshone the pair even with his sub-par performance at the Euros. From that point of view, Cristiano is a worthy winner. But I would say that if you are to compare Cristiano with Casillas, the decision isn't quite as simple, because you cannot really compare them, can you? Casillas is the closest to a Maradona or Zidane I've ever seen between a pair of goal posts. All credit to him, as a goalkeeper, for finishing 4th in the ballot, but I believe that the battle for Ballon d'Or should have been between him and Cristiano. Or just hand a Ballon d'Or to Casillas, who, after all, is incomparable to the lot.

[Henry]

Well put sir. Couldn't agree more.