Top 10 Footballers of 2014 #1: Cristiano Ronaldo

At around this time last year, Cristiano Ronaldo finally overcame his Ballon D’ Or losing streak. After his magical performances in the World Cup Qualifying Playoffs against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden coincided with Lionel Messi’s injury absence, the momentum was undoubtedly in his favour and the last 12 months has seen him take key steps not to lose it.

By scoring  17 goals, he broke the record for the most goals scored in a Champions League campaign. His Madrid side had overcome the defending champions (Bayern Munich) by a  5-0(on aggregate) scoreline in the semi’s. By scoring 31 goals in 30 games, he earned the title of Highest Goalscorer in La Liga. He also helped Madrid win La Decima– their 10th European title.

At the time of writing Ronaldo is currently on a hot streak averaging about two goals per game and is the front-runner to retain the Ballon D’Or. His form for Portugal at the World Cup would obviously count against him but it is not in doubt that he’s been one of the finest players of the last calendar year.