Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to win the UEFA best player in Europe award and the Ballon d’Or award this year thanks to his stunning performances with Real Madrid and Portugal. However, at the beginning of last season, Ronaldo did not have the best of times under manager Rafael Benitez.
Many reports suggested that Ronaldo had an uneasy relationship with Benitez and once the Spaniard was replaced by Zidane, the Portuguese superstar looked like a completely different player. Ronaldo himself praised Zidane as the catalyst for “one of his best seasons”.
"We didn't start well last season, but the end was happy," Ronaldo told 24sata. "I think everything improved with Zidane's arrival."
"We won the Champions League and I was top scorer and that was probably one of the best seasons in my career."
"Looking at trophies only, it was sure my best season. I also won Euro 2016 with Portugal, which was an exceptional success for me."
Ronaldo might win his first individual honour as early as next month as he is nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. While he said he was “privileged” to be nominated, he mentioned that success with the team was always more important than individual success.
"It is a privilege to be alongside Bale and Griezmann and fight for this award," he added.
"Since this trophy has been introduced, I am always there, winning three nominations."
"This is proof I've had a great season, not just individually but also with my teams. It was great to lift the Champions League trophy with Real."
"It would mean very much to me if I won the Best Player in Europe award. But it is more important that we won trophies as a team."
Although the winner of the next Ballon d'Or will not be announced before January 2017, Barcelona forward Neymar has declared who he feels will be the winner. The Br azilian has picked Barcelona rival Real Madrid’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to win his fourth Ballon d'Or after winning the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Euro 2016.
He has picked Ronaldo over his Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who finished as the top scorer of La Liga, above Ronaldo. The forward was quoted saying: " Ronaldo won the Champions League and now Euro 2016 as well." He added: "So I believe he is in a good position. Plus, Ronaldo is a great player. I have no qualms in saying that."
Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or or not, there is no denying the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo along with Lionel Messi are the two greatest footballers of this generation.