It's that time of the season again, and the media is abuzz with campaigns, debates and declarations on who the best player of the year has been.
Over the last decade, it has been a straight battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The gong has always swapped between the two players, who are unarguably among the greatest players of all time.
The two players always find their names in the list for the award. This year is no different, with pundits tipping either of the two to lift the gong again. It just about leaves a sour taste in the mouth, which some sections of the football world find tasteful, depending on what side of the divide you are.
Despite a season that falls well below their lofty heights, the duo find themselves again in act battle for the gong.
Sir Fergie wades in on the debate
When Sir Alex Ferguson talks, the football world listens. The Scotsman and former Manchester United manager was unequivocal in his choice for the gong this year. Sir Alex Ferguson is the latest big name to declare that Cristiano Ronaldo should win the award this year.
Ferguson has his reasons for claiming that the Portuguese maestro should win the award this year. Sir Ferguson said Ronaldo is worthy of the gong because of the several records he has broken.
Armed with the Copa del Rey, Copa America and the Spanish Pichichi, Lionel Messi is tipped to win the award ahead of Ronaldo.
According to Marca, Ferguson reeled out a few records that were broken by the Portuguese number seven. Ronaldo walked into the hall with Coppa Italia, the Serie A Capocannoniere and also broke the record for the highest international goalscorer of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo also finished top scorer at EURO 2020.
Others in the running
Perhaps, it is easy to say that football has been unfair to some. The awards weren't held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but one player stood head and shoulder above everyone else. Bayern Munich's Lewandowski was by far the favourite to win it last season with his accomplishments. He is also in the race but less fancied to win.
Another player who most have tipped to break the Ronaldo/Messi duopoly is Jorginho. He had a fantastic final six months, where he helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and was instrumental in Italy winning the Euros. Although, it's safe to say the odds of him winning this are rather slim.
Kante was a vital cog in Chelsea's triumphant season and was also part of the French team that won the UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo de Lima has favoured Karim Benzema to win the award.
As Sir Ferguson is batting for Ronaldo, Mino Raiola also told France Football that the award has to go to Cristiano Ronaldo.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
