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Why Cristiano Ronaldo is a worthy winner of the 2016 Ballon d'Or

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​​​​​​​After Cristiano Ronaldo beat Lionel Messi to the 2016 Ballon d'Or award, we examine the reasons why he was a deserving winner...

When Lionel Messi won four consecutive Ballon d'Or awards between 2009 and 2012, it was tempting to wonder whether Cristiano Ronaldo could ever wrestle the crown back from him. The Real Madrid star seemed to be stuck behind his rival, but four years on, he is the one with his grip on the prize.

Ronaldo's latest triumph was the fourth Ballon d'Or of his career. Having won none in the previous four years, he has now claimed three of the last four. The former Manchester United forward turns 32 in February, but recent history shows it would be unwise to bet against him matching Messi's tally next year.

Ronaldo keeps finding ways to win. His blockbuster new Real Madrid contract will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2021, and when he says he plans to play into his 40s, you can be sure he means it. Ronaldo's dedication and determination are second to none.

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Real Madrid

There will be those who argue that Messi was a more deserving winner this year. The raw statistics show that the Argentine has scored 58 goals and claimed 32 assists in 61 appearances for club and country, compared to Ronaldo's 51 goals and 17 assists in 55 appearances.

The extraordinary numbers give Messi the edge, but they do not tell the story of 2016. Messi may have helped Barcelona pip Real Madrid to La Liga and Copa del Rey success, but Ronaldo claimed the bigger prizes. By winning the Champions League and the European Championship, his achievements bridged club and country. This was his year.

Madrid's Champions League campaign might have been enough on its own. After setting a new record with 11 group-stage goals, Ronaldo netted in each leg of their last-16 meeting with Roma and rescued his side single-handedly in the quarter-finals. Zinedine Zidane's men needed three goals after a 2-0 first leg defeat by Wolfsburg. Ronaldo scored them all.

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With a poacher's finish, a towering header and a pinpoint free kick, the hat-trick highlighted the breadth of his ability. "What can I say about Cristiano Ronaldo?" said Zidane afterwards. "He has shown again that he is the best player in the world."

Ronaldo did not perform at his best in the final against Atletico Madrid in Milan, but even then the decisive moment fell to him. His winning penalty in the shootout was struck with the utter conviction of a player who thrives on the biggest stage. Madrid celebrated a record-breaking 11th Champions League win. Ronaldo's shirtless celebration was the defining image.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winning penalty in the Champions League final
Image: Ronaldo scores the winning penalty in the Champions League final

Helping his country to Euro 2016 glory in France was an even more impressive achievement. Portugal went into the tournament as 20/1 outsiders with what looked like one of their weakest squads in years, but with Ronaldo wearing the captain's armband, they defied the odds to win the first major trophy in their history.

Ronaldo was Portugal's semi-final match-winner with his goal and assist against Wales, but his influence was even more profound off the pitch than on it. Ronaldo may have a reputation as the ultimate individualist, but he showed a new side to his character in France.

He could be seen geeing up team-mates before their penalty shootout victory over Poland in the quarter-finals, and he was an inspirational figure after injury forced him out of the final. Ronaldo left the pitch in tears that night, but his response was to offer as much encouragement as he could from the sidelines. "Football is not about 11 on the field," he said. "It is so much more than that."

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (c) lifts the European Championship trophy
Image: Ronaldo lifts the European Championship trophy

"We were missing our leader, but he did not fail to support his colleagues," said team-mate Ricardo Quaresma. "At a time when he was in so much pain, he was jumping around and pushing everyone on." Portugal coach Fernando Santos was similarly impressed. "Our captain put in an immense effort," he said. "He has amazing team spirit."

Ronaldo's triumphant summer contrasted sharply with Messi's. The 29-year-old's response to Argentina's Copa America final defeat to Chile, in which he missed his spot kick in the shootout, was to announce his retirement from international football. He reversed the decision two months later, but the episode jarred with Ronaldo's attitude in Paris.

Age may have changed him as a player, but Ronaldo is just as effective as he has ever been, and in a year in which he showed leadership like never before, winning the Ballon d'Or was exactly the recognition his achievements deserved. Messi may be the favourite for next year's prize, but Ronaldo is on top right now. And he's not finished yet.

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