Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Di Stéfano Trophy as La Liga’s Best Player
Despite a disappointing World Cup campaign with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has ended the 2013–2014 season on a high note by being awarded the prestigious Di Stéfano Trophy, given annually to the best player in Spain’s La Liga.
The Real Madrid forward delivered an outstanding domestic campaign, scoring 31 goals in just 30 league appearances, reaffirming his status as one of the most prolific scorers in world football. Ronaldo’s performances were instrumental in Real Madrid’s strong league form, and his consistency in front of goal made him the standout figure across the Spanish top flight.
This latest honour places him ahead of strong contenders Diego Costa, who played a key role in Atlético Madrid’s title-winning campaign, and Lionel Messi, who had previously claimed the award three years running (2009 to 2011).
The Di Stéfano Trophy, named after Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stéfano, is awarded by Spanish sports newspaper Marca and is voted on by a panel of experts. It recognises the most complete and influential player in La Liga over the course of the season.
For Ronaldo, this award serves as a reminder of his enduring brilliance at club level, despite the struggles he faced at the international level during Portugal’s group-stage exit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The 2013–2014 season also saw Ronaldo help guide Real Madrid to their long-awaited La Décima—a historic tenth UEFA Champions League title—further highlighting the Portuguese star’s pivotal role in one of the most memorable campaigns in the club’s recent history.
With the Di Stéfano Trophy now added to his ever-growing list of personal accolades, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game continues to grow.
