Cristiano Ronaldo did not make it to the FIFA Best Player of The Year 2021 list this time but nevertheless bagged the FIFA Special Award for breaking another record
The Best FIFA awards ceremony took place on 17th January, Monday at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland where Robert Lewandowski beat Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah to clinch the FIFA Men’s Player of The Year Award for the second time.
But what was unusual about FIFA’s player of the year shortlist this time? The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo was not on it. The Portuguese legend missed out on a number of individual awards this year, including the ballon d’or which was awarded to his long-time Argentine rival Lionel Messi for a record 7th time.
So why did Ronaldo win this Special award? Why has FIFA recognized him in particular? Let’s find out shall we?
Explained Why Did FIFA Bestow The Special Award To Cristiano Ronaldo This Year At The Best Awards 2021
FIFA granted their Special Award to the 36-year old Man United star as he became the men’s all- time top goalscorer in September last year when he scored a brace for Portugal in the fixture against Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo just keeps breaking record and even at 36 years of age, he shows no signs of slowing down. It’s his winning mentality that encourages him to keep scoring goals for his club and country. The Portuguese captain now has 115 goals in 184 appearances to his name for his country.
Upon receiving the award in Zurich, Ronaldo thanked his family, friends and also talked about what drives him to turn up on pitch with the same motivation and zeal that he possessed as an 18-year old. Here’s what the five-time Champions League winner had to say, “I still have passion for the game. Not just to score goals, but to entertain myself because I played football since I was five or six years old.”
What has Ronaldo Said About Him Retiring?
The soon to be 37-year old revealed that he still feels good and motivated and has been working hard since the age of 18. He would like to continue doing so as the hunger to win and achieve still remains inside of him.
Ronaldo said the following about plans to hang his boots, “People ask me sometimes how many more years I am going to play, and I say, “I hope to play four or five more years.”
The Best FIFA Special Award All Winners Till Now
Cristiano Ronaldo (Men’s): 2021
Christine Sinclair (Women’s): 2021
Falcao (Brazilian futsal player): 2016
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