Ballon d’Or winner 2016: Ronaldo runs riot again and wins Ballon d’Or after success for club and country

Why did Ronaldo win the Ballon d’OR?

In the 2015/2016 season, Cristiano Ronaldo had by his own admission, his best ever season which ultimately led to him winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Playing for Real Madrid, Ronaldo showcased his exceptional skills, athleticism, and goal-scoring prowess throughout the year.

Playing a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure the UEFA Champions League title that season, the Portuguese scored crucial goals in key moments, including a hat-trick against Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals, overturning a first-leg deficit. Additionally, in the final against Atletico Madrid, he netted the winning penalty in the dramatic shootout to secure the trophy.

In La Liga, Ronaldo was talismanic and played a vital part in Real Madrid’s success, contributing with crucial goals and assists and netting a mind-blowing 35 goals in 36 games. His performances were consistently outstanding, as he showcased his ability to score from different positions and with various techniques. Moreover, he demonstrated his exceptional aerial prowess, regularly finding the back of the net with powerful headers.

A leader on the world stage

Ronaldo’s impressive performances extended to the international stage. He played a crucial role in guiding Portugal to victory in the UEFA Euro 2016. Despite sustaining an early injury in the final against France (and inadvertently making a moth go internet viral), he was integral to his nations overall success in the competition.

Did Ronaldo deserve it? Could Messi feel aggrieved?

As fans, we became used to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi being the de facto players battling it out to be named the world’s best. And whilst there has been years the Argentine was arguably robbed of the award (2013 amongst others), this year Messi could have a lot less complaints.

However there its not as cut and dry as it may seem. Messi does edge Ronaldo on paper. The raw data shows that the Argentine has scored 58 goals and claimed 32 assists in 61 appearances for club and country, compared to Ronaldo’s 51 goals and 17 assists in 55 appearances.

Messi also helped his club to a league title and Copa Del Rey trophy, nullifying much of the importance of Ronaldo’s incredible league form. Messi’s ridiculous stats for 2016, outshining Ronaldo’s. But Ronaldo’s big tail wind coming into the award came from his Champions league win with Real Madrid and European Championship victory with Portugal.

Messi can certainly feel somewhat aggrieved, it’s not his fault Argentina aren’t in Europe so it does feel a bit unfair, especially since the European Championships are looked upon with more prestige than the Copa America, giving Ronaldo an edge based on where he was born essentially.

Also, whilst Ronaldo played a huge role in Portugal’s tournament run, he came off early in the 1st half of the final, meaning he was absent in the game that meant the most, his team doing the lifting for him.

Ronaldo’s win was most inspired by his Champions League form, with the 31-year old outputting scintillating performances to push Madrid through every stage. Setting a new record with 11 group-stage goals.

There’s more of a case for Messi than some may suggest, but I think personally, Ronaldo just pips him to the award based on his ridiculous performances on club footballs biggest stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo stats – 2016

Ballon d’Or 2016 Rankings – Top 20