It is that time of the year again when the football public and players vote in their thousands to decide who should be the best player in the world. Now that the shortlist is between three players; Manuel Neuer, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, we review the three contenders and their claim to be the worthy winner of the Ballon d’Or 2014.
Manuel Neuer
The first nominee is the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who has been the rock and the mainstay of the German national team. After some fantastic displays in Brazil and helping the national team win the World Cup then there is a fair case for him to win it. He managed an astonishing 23 saves in Brazil and has been one of the key reason behind Bayern Munich’s back to back Bundesliga successes and their Champions League triumph in 2013.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Secondly is the Real Madrid man and the 29 year old is having another stellar season for Los Blancos in Spain. The mercurial forward has scored 20 goals in 12 La Liga games, an astonishing record, adding to the already incredible stats of 197 goals in 177 appearances in the league for Madrid. There is also to take into consideration helping Madrid win the Champions League and clinch the 10th European Cup they have craved, where he scored 17 goals in the competition last season. He will be looking to defend his crown.
Lionel Messi
Lastly, is Lionel Messi, who will be looking to clinch the award for the fourth time after success in 2010, 2011 and 2012. After losing out last year, he will be eager to regain it. This time around, he has again broken some illustrious records again. After becoming the all-time top goal scorer in La Liga with 253 goals he then went on to beat Raul’s record of Champions League goals with 73. All prestigious records which give him a good chance of the crown.
With three truly outstanding footballers in the running for this year’s Ballon d’Or award it will be a tight contest and yes, there will be some unhappy faces. Who do you think will take away the coveted prize? Do you think the right players are up for the award this year?
