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Surprise, surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the best player in Europe by a landslide vote of 40/55. Antoine Griezmann came in second with 8 votes, closely followed up Gareth Bale, who received 7 votes. While the two losers will surely feel aggrieved that their brilliant campaigns with club and country weren’t awarded, they can at least take heart in the fact that the winner recognizes their worth.
"Of course, I feel happy because it was an unbelievable season. But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention these two amazing players. Griezmann, I am sorry for your loss to Portugal in the final, but you are an amazing player. It was an unbelievable season." - Ronaldo
Despite Ronaldo’s graciousness in victory (which is sure to be ignored), it is hard to argue against the Portuguese’s momentous season with Real Madrid and Portugal. After a trying first half of the season with Rafa Benitez, Ronaldo switched on his form in the second half of the season and led Real Madrid to the Champions League with clutch goals against Roma and Wolfsburg.
The storyline was much the same with his country as he overcame two poor performances to carry Portugal past Hungary before powering his side to the finals with a header against Wales.
Even when he wasn’t playing he impacted his team’s performances, pushing them to greater heights with demonstrative leadership and pure passion.
This intangible combined with his successful conquest of two of the most important European trophies, undoubtedly makes him the rightful King of Europa.
Now onto the FIFA Ballon D’or...