7M Exclusive: CR7 - Ballon d'Or History

Posted Friday, January 06, 2017 by 7M Sport

When talking about who is the most likely player to win Ballon d'Or France Football 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the UEFA Champions League with Madrid before leading Portugal to UEFA EURO 2016 glory, looked to be a one-man race for much of the time. Until now, the Portuguese has won the award four times, only one fewer than Messi. However, he has now moved clear of three-time winners Johan Cruyff, Platini and Marco van Basten.

And this week, let's check more about his Ballon d'Or history.

2004

In 2000, Luis Figo of Real Madrid lifted the Ballon d'Or. That became one of young Ronaldo's abiding memories. And even now he harked back to it. Since then, he has set a goal of what Figo has achieved in that year and worked towards this goal.

Four years later, he first found his name in the Ballon d'Or nominees list and at that time, he played for Manchester United. Being the nominee in 2004 really provided the main impetus for his career. The then Manchester winger proved his ability and moved closer to Figo.

2008

In 2008, Ronaldo at only 23 had his hands on this award for the first time. A dream of 2000 finally came true.

7M Exclusive: CR7 - Ballon d'Or History

Ronaldo was more stationed on the flanks at Man United at that time compared to a more flexible role up front at the moment, because Sir Alex Ferguson had plenty of alternative attacking options to call upon as the Red Devils had Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Nani, Giggs, Park Ji sung, etc.

Whether in 4-3-3 system or 4-4-2, Ronaldo more involved in defending wide areas, tackle and pressing. Of course, he also had chances to take advantage of his speed and dribbling skills up front.

2013

The Portugal star won Ballon d'Or for the second time. At the awards ceremony, he broke down in tears.

Ronaldo had always had a thirst for another award since 2008, but he had a five-year wait before he could lift the second one. Winning it was just reward for the effort he had made. How could he resist tears?

2014

Just one year later, Ronaldo joined Johan Cruyff, Platini and Marco van Basten as the fourth player to win the Ballon d'Or 3 times. These are some of the biggest names in football. And now, the 31-year-old lived up to their heights. Achieving this also improved his self-confidence and his performance too.

2016

Ronaldo enjoyed a splendid 2016 collectively and individually, lifting the trophy of UEFA Champions League, UEFA EURO 2016, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, winning the UEFA Best Player in Europe award, Ballon d'Or. He was also awarded player of the tournament for FIFA Club World Cup 2016.

Such a successful year, however, is shadowed by tax evasion allegations.

Even on the eve of Ballon d'Or ceremony, when Ronaldo visited the Numen Foundation in Northern Madrid, he managed to raise a smile in front of the kids.

It was not until he received the award at the Bernabeu that he heartily relieved.

This is indeed an award that means a lot for him. It just justified the expenditure of effort.

What's worth mentioning is that, it is the first time that Ronaldo has received this award at the Bernabeu.

Some say that Cristiano Ronaldo has evolved since 2008. In fact, the CR7 DNA has never changed. Ronaldo, a tremendous athlete with a certain style, is quick and powerful whether when he is with the ball or off the ball. He is a born great quality player——with goalscoring prowess and wisdom on the pitch, having flexibility in the one-on-one meetings and a killer instinct in front of goal.

He only needs to maintain a powerful and athletic body, gain more experience and devote his talents to continue adding to his legend.