Ronaldo hails his 'beautiful' triumph in Ballon d'Or
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday became the fourth Manchester United player to win the Ballon d'Or as European Footballer of the Year after a landslide victory in a poll of journalists organised by France Football magazine.
Ronaldo received 446 points out of a maximum 480 and finished well ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi (281) and Liverpool's Fernando Torres (179). After scoring 42 goals last season to help Manchester United to the double of Premier League and Champions League, and being voted Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association, Ronaldo was named as number one player by 77 of the 96 writers polled.
"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child," Ronaldo said on learning that he follows Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966) and George Best (1968) as winners while at Old Trafford. "Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it. To the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates."
Ronaldo, who is suspended for the Carling Cup tie against Blackburn tonight, was praised by his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. "We are very proud. Manchester United had been waiting for this for 40 years. Cristiano is in the tradition of our three other Ballons d'Or. His award is beyond all possible dispute," Ferguson said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments