After much controversy, Cristiano Ronaldo won his second consecutive Ballon D'Or over Lionel Messi and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Portuguese collected his third award overall, and proved that his actions with Real Madrid were enough to hoist him as the Best Player of the World despite a not so brilliant performance with his National Team in Brazil.
Ronaldo proved to be very useful for Real Madrid, leading Los Blancos to win their tenth Champions League title in 2014, breaking the record for most goals in a single European tournament. Ronaldo also was key to Real Madrid's win in the Copa del Rey, where they beat long-time rival Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player ever to win the Ballon D'Or in consecutive years while playing for the Spanish club.
"I would like to thank all those who voted for me. My coach, my fellow players, the president, the club, Real Madrid. It's been an unforgettable year," Ronaldo stated after holding his breath for a moment.
"To win a trophy of this kind is something unique. I want to continue working this way, as I've always done. I want to try to improve and become better as each day goes by" the striker added.
"I would like to tell all Portuguese that I would never have thought to win this trophy on three different occasion. Of course, it's something that I have always said. I want to become the greatest player of all time. I wish everyone well," he added before celebrating.
Cristiano Ronaldo's stats (via BBC Sport)
The player's election raised comments all over the world. Read some of them below!
Cristiano Ronaldo had more votes to win the Ballon d'Or than Lionel Messi & Manuel Neuer had combined.
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) January 12, 2015
Congrats @Cristiano! We are very proud of having the best player of the world playing in #LaLiga #BallonDOr2014 pic.twitter.com/m0VhASWQDu
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) January 12, 2015
Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo, the meritorious winner of the Ballon d'Or!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 12, 2015
The last seven Ballon d'Or winners: Ronaldo (2014), Ronaldo (2013), Messi (2012), Messi (2011), Messi (2010), Messi (2009), Ronaldo (2008).
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 12, 2015
Like it was even a discussion for #BallonDOr2014 @Cristiano with the win.
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 12, 2015
The final votes for the 2014 Ballon d'Or: Cristiano Ronaldo (37.66%) Lionel Messi (15.76%) Manuel Neuer (15.72%) pic.twitter.com/gpMs5F0Hzh
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) January 12, 2015
Congratulation @Cristiano on winning the ballon d'or , you're an incredible athlete, player and role model !
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) January 12, 2015
@Cristiano siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii !! Congratulations my man. #BestInTheWorld
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 12, 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014: Games: 60 Goals: 61 UCL Copa del Rey Club W.Cup Super Cup Team of the Year Ballon d'Or pic.twitter.com/eoywAp94rA
— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) January 12, 2015
Greatest player in world football... presents Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/168veI86A0
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 12, 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo with his son, Junior. pic.twitter.com/7zah6bNP8l
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) January 12, 2015