Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, capped a remarkable calendar year with yet another accolade on Monday in Zurich, Switzerland.
This time the Portugal skipper was named the world’s best player at the inaugural Best FIFA Football Awards to add to the fourth Ballon d’Or he clinched in September.
Ronaldo beat archrival, Lionel Messi, and Antoine Griezmann to the top prize.
“Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. It’s incredible. I want to thank my team-mates of Real Madrid and the coach,” he said upon picking up his ward.
“Thanks for everything you have done for me. I must thank my family and my whole staff for everything they have given me. 2016 was the best year of my career.”
Ronaldo’s victory led to another round of debate as to whether he truly deserves the honour.
With that in mind, here are four reasons the ex-Manchester United forward is worthy winner.
- He won the Champions League
Ronaldo was pivotal as Real Madrid clinched their 11th UEFA Champions League title. The 31-year-old scored an impressive 16 goals as well as converted the winning spot-kick that helped Zinedine Zidane’s side defeat Atletico Madrid.
- Captained Portugal to first major title
While Messi failed yet again with Argentina at the COPA America, Ronaldo made history with Portugal at the European Championship in France. The Seleção won their first major championship with the help of the Real superstar who also equalled Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the tourney.
- Third top scorer in Europe
Ronaldo ended the 2015/16 season with an unbelievable 35 league goals which was only bettered by Luis Suarez (40) and Gonzalo Higuaín (36). Whereas Messi and Griezmann managed 26 and 24 goals respectively.
- Club World and Super Cup winner
Ronaldo also clinched two other major titles in 2016 – the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The 31-year-old even notched a hat-trick in the final of the former against Kashima Antlers but was unavoidably absent in the 1-0 win over Sevilla.
