CRISTIANO RONALDO WINS GOAL 50

The winner of the Goal 50 for 2013-14 is Cristiano Ronaldo, who claims our prestigious prize for the third time – the same number of victories as his great rival Lionel Messi.From a club perspective, Ronaldo enjoyed perhaps the best season of his career. He scored 51 goals in all competitions, breaking numerous records in the process – including most Champions League strikes (17) in one season. His 31 La Liga goals earned him the Pichichi prize and saw him share the European Golden Shoe with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. In January he was awarded the Fifa Ballon d’Or.

Most importantly, Ronaldo was fundamental as the Spanish giants ended their long wait for La Decima. He scored against every team Madrid played on the road to Champions League glory – memorably crushing holders Bayern 4-0 in Munich in the semi-finals – and also doubled up by picking up a Copa del Rey winners’ medal.

Internationally, Ronaldo was powerless to prevent a poor Portugal side exiting the World Cup in the group stages. But the Iberians wouldn’t have even qualified for Brazil were it not for the 29-year-old’s stunning four-goal haul in a playoff against Sweden. He also scored once at the finals.

Ronaldo is set to turn 30 in February but he is at the peak of his powers. With Real Madrid the strongest club side in Europe, he will be confident of becoming the outright record holder by retaining his Goal 50 crown next year.

 

Culled from Goal.com