2014 was the year of soccer, there were many players that performed better than the rest. They scored more goals, gave more assist, and played better overall.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the thirty year old Portuguese striker who plays for Real Madrid, was awarded the Ballon d’Or, which is given to the best player of the year.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or motivates me to work harder”, said Cristiano Ronaldo. Some other titles he won with Real Madrid this year included the Champions League and the Spanish Cup.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine who plays for F.C. Barcelona managed to break multiple records, even though it wasn’t one of his best years. He broke the record for most goals in Champions League history, most goals in the Spanish League, and he is now the top scorer for F.C Barcelona.
“He’s a leader and is offering lessons in beautiful football. He has something different to any other player in the world.” said Maradona (Former Coach and player of the Argentine soccer team.)
Gareth Bale, the Real Madrid winger has showed that he is one of the best. He scored many important goals this year. He scored in the Champions League final and in the Spanish League final.
After his first season at Real Madrid, Bale said, “I haven’t just come here to play in the Champions League, I have come here to win it.”
Phillip Lahm, the 31 year old German midfielder and defender has helped his country and team a lot this year. He won the World Cup with Germany and won the German League with Bayern Munich. Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich’s coach) said, “The most intelligent player I’ve ever coached is Phillip Lahm.”
Manuel Neuer, the German goalkeeper was awarded the Golden Glove, which is given to the best goal keeper of the year. He was one of the reasons why Germany won the 2014 World Cup. He also won the German League with Bayern Munich. Neuer also got third place for the Ballon d’Or award.
“Normally field players have better chances of winning this award, because scoring goals is obviously more spectacular than saving shots on goal. But, Manuel Neuer is an exception and outstanding player not only this season but in the past two, three, four, five years. I hope he can win. I hope he enjoys himself, and I hope he enjoys the whole event in Zurich,” said Pep Guardiola.
Neymar, the Brazilian striker was one of the best players this year. He is currently the third top scorer in the Spanish League. He helped Brazil get 4th place in the World Cup. “We get on with each other off the pitch and we’re getting to know each other on it. He’ll bring a lot of joy to the club and fan,” said Lionel Messi
Arjen Robben, the Dutch winger that plays for Bayern Munich helped the Netherlands get third place in the 2014 World Cup. He gave many assist and scored multiple goals for both Bayern Munich and his country. He is currently the second top scorer in the German League.
2014 has definitely proven to be one of the best years for soccer and its players, with hopefully better years to come.