Ballon d’Or 2014: Will Cristiano Ronaldo Reign Supreme Again?
The wait is almost over. As Africa Top Sports.com highlighted earlier, the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed tonight in Zurich. The three finalists are:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich)
🏆 The Favorite: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo enters the ceremony as the overwhelming favorite. The reigning Ballon d’Or holder had a stellar 2014, scoring 61 goals, and helping Real Madrid to Champions League and Copa del Rey triumphs. His only blemish: a disappointing World Cup with Portugal, exiting in the group stage despite scoring once.
According to the Africa Top Sports.com poll, African fans have thrown their weight behind CR7.
⚔️ The Challengers
Lionel Messi, despite an injury-ridden year, guided Argentina to the World Cup final and was named the tournament’s best player. He also became the Champions League’s all-time top scorer with 75 goals.
Manuel Neuer could be the dark horse. The German shot-stopper won the World Cup and has dazzled as a modern, “sweeper-keeper” for both club and country. Several legends of the game, including ex-players and coaches, have expressed support for the Bayern Munich star.
🎯 Who will lift football’s most prestigious individual prize? Keep voting and share your views!
[poll id= »134″]
🏆 Meanwhile, AFCON 2015 Is Almost Here!
16 African nations are gearing up for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 17 in Equatorial Guinea.
📋 Group Stage Overview:
Group A: Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Congo
Group B: Zambia, Tunisia, Cape Verde, DR Congo
Group C: Ghana, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal
Group D: Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Guinea
Stay tuned for all the build-up, team updates, and match previews as the continent’s biggest football showpiece draws near!
