Sportskeeda Football Awards 2016: Forward of the Year

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Reader’s Rank: 1, Sportskeeda’s Rank: 3)

A great year for his team, not so much individually

Cristiano Ronaldo coming in at #3 would definitely raise many eyebrows and some people may go as far as questioning our sanity. But we came up to this conclusion after hours of debate and after considering all facets of the game and his involvement in the triumphs of his club and country.

Yes, he won the Ballon d’Or after guiding Real Madrid to La Undecima and Portugal to their maiden European Championship triumph before capping off an excellent year with the Club World Cup win. But by sheer numbers the two players that finish above him, displace the Portuguese.

Hear our argument first. Ronaldo had an incredible year with his team but not so much individually – irrespective of the Ballon d’Or triumph. You can count on your hands the occasions on which he made the difference for his side in the Champions League and Euro 2016 winning campaigns of Real Madrid and Portugal respectively. Add to that the occasions and the opponents against whom he scored bulk of his goals and you would understand our reasoning behind this bold pick.

It is no denying that Ronaldo was among the 3 best players in the world but he was just not the best forward of 2016.

“There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me." ~ George Best

2016 Stats (for club and country – Games: 57, Goals: 55, Assists: 17)