The Attitude
Perhaps it is something that comes with age, perhaps it is due to the player’s maturity, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude changed dramatically over the last 12 months.
And in the absence of clearly defined Ballon d Or criteria, when five-time winner Messi was labeled more of a man, teammate and a professional than Ronaldo, the attitude seems to be playing an important role in the competition for the most prestigious individual prizes of all.
While most 32-year-old players would be considered and regarded as well past their peak, it become evident betting against Ronaldo would be unwise thing to do as the Portugal international continues to evolve and grow as a player.
There is not much room left for Cristiano to surprise us with new football qualities though, but the attitude and his leadership skills have seen a turn for the best, forcing ever his fiercest critics to reconsider their arguments.
Selfishness was often mistaken for his insatiable desire for success. It would in the past appear that Portugal international had little regard for anyone else other than himself, but Ronaldo looks a changed man, quite different in manners towards his teammates for the most part.
The raw statistics of 2016 were not something which gave Ronaldo the edge over Leo Messi and allowed him to cross the Ballon d’Or finish line first. It was the entire picture though, the one which paints the Portugal man a national hero, leader by words and actions.
His inspiring post-match locker room speech in France was inspiring and quite emotional, his touchline instructions little prior to it an eye-bulging moment as well. But Ronaldo took his caring side and moved it to club level as well.
With Welsh wizard Gareth Bale crushing to the ground in pain, clutching his leg with both of his hands, it was Cristiano Ronaldo – as a true leader he has evolved into – who ran first to his aid.
In another instant Ronaldo was running towards the touchline, reporting Zinedine Zidane of the extent of the problem, acting like a true sportsman and painting himself in an unlikely image.
Ronaldo and Bale share a turbulent history of reported personal bust-ups as it once appeared that Ronaldo felt threatened by the imposing presence of the Welsh star. The pair grew closer together however and became aware of their mutual influence and the benefits their symbiosis had on Real Madrid’s results.
Cristiano’s display of care and emotions towards the well-being of his Welsh teammate was a tiny detail but a definite proof of Ronaldo’s changed nature.
He truly is a different man.
A better one as well.
