Ronaldo proving he’s new Messi-ah
Real superstar walks away with his fourth Ballon d’Or Shades of Drogba as Costa strikes with deadly effect
CRISTIANO Ronaldo called it “a dream come true again” as he won his fourth Ballon d’Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world.
It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 – albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France.
As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old’s main rival was Messi – but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-thanstellar year for club and country by his lofty standards. Ronaldo is now one Ballon d’Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.
Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement.
“For me it’s a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d’Or. The emotion is like the first one – it’s a dream come true again,” Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L’Equipe TV.
“I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d’Or, I’m so pleased and so happy.
“I have to thank all my teammates, the national team, Real DIEGO Costa is beginning to have the same impact at Chelsea as Didier Drogba once did, central defender Gary Cahill believes.
Costa has come to symbolise the club’s transformation under Antonio Conte and ensured the Blues extended their winning streak to nine Premier League games with the winning goal against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
That goal, Costa’s 12th in 15 league appearances this season, moved Conte’s side back three points clear at the head of the table ahead of the midweek trip to face bottom club Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
And the manner in which the Brazil-born Spain striker created and scored an excellent individual goal in the final moments of the game recalled memories of the inspirational Drogba.
The former Ivory Coast international spent nine years at Stamford Bridge, delivering a succession of trophies to the club – including famously scoring the decisive penalty that secured them the Champions League.
Cahill believes there is a Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy.
“I want to enjoy this moment because it’s not easy to win this.” Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo’s Welsh teammate Gareth Bale sixth.
Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion.
Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping $240-million (about R3.2-billion).
“You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing, fears nothing,” Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time.
Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.
But it was only in 2013 that he added his second – Messi had hogged it before then –and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.
United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d’Or “incredible”.
Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new fiveyear contract, had enjoyed “a sensational year”.
The Ballon d’Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists. — AFP comparison to be made between Costa – who is now in his third season at the club – and the Ivorian.
“Didier was a huge figure goal-scoring wise and also with his personality on and off the pitch,” said Cahill.
“You need strikers like that and Diego has fitted in nicely. Since he’s been at the club he’s scored goals but this season he’s on fire.
“Are the fans starting to love him like they loved Didier? Yes of course because he is banging goals in every week. He is winning us matches.
“At this moment he is right up there among the best in the world. The statistics don’t lie.”
Costa’s talents have been apparent since he arrived at the club while the forward has also developed a reputation for a fiery temperament.
But he has been noticeably more restrained during the club’s recent revival, going 10 matches without a caution.
“He is not getting as frustrated as he used to. He is channelling [his energy] in the right direction now and is being patient,” said