Ah, the Golden Ball. Awarded by French (obviously) magazine France Football, le prix convoité is the honor given to Europe's best player. From the inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews to last year's winner Kaká, the winner's list is a who's who of footballing history. Now, as we approach the selection of the winner for 2008, the race has narrowed to two young players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel "Leo" Messi.
Leo the Lion and C Ron have both had sublime seasons; Messi scored 16 goals and dished out 13 assists in 40 games before being sidelined with a torn thigh muscle in the Champions League. Ronaldo scored a whopping 42 goals in 49 games and led Manchester United to EPL and Champions League glory. So who wins?
In my opinion, as much as I dislike his off-the-field antics, sulky mannerisms and frequent diving, Cristiano Ronaldo's accomplishments last season cannot go without reward. He carried Manchester United last season despite frequently "disappearing" in big games due to overly rough treatment and being marked by multiple players through many matches. Although Diego Maradona's heir apparent, Leo Messi showed many moments of sublime skill, 42 goals in all competitions is a number I find difficult to see past, as hard as I try. Ronaldo for the Golden Ball.
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