We have been a running a poll on thefirst90minutes.com for our visitors to vote on who they thought was the greatest footballer on the planet during this calendar year.
We can now proudly announce the results and crown our first ever TF90M World Player of the Year. In reverse order...
3rd Place:
Fernando Torres (15.3% of votes cast) – The Liverpool striker enjoyed a phenomenal debut season in the Premier League following his big-money move from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old scored 24 goals for Liverpool, the highest by a foreign player in their maiden season, and went on to score the winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final. A successful international campaign and a great start to life in the English Premiership gains Torres third place in our awards ceremony.
2nd Place:
Lionel Messi (20.6%) – The Barcelona and Argentina superstar demonstrated his raw ability during the last year despite being scathed by injuries once again.
Moving into public focus at Barcelona from under the shadow of former team mate Ronaldinho the Argentinean has inherited the number 10 shirt. Furthermore now with footballing legend Diego Maradona as his national team manager, Messi, tipped to be the successor to Maradona’s crown, could rise to be number one on this list next year.
1st Place:
Cristiano Ronaldo (50.4%) – Having won the Champions League and Premier League last season, Ronaldo was the clear winner in this contest.
Ronaldo scored an incredible 42 goals for Manchester United as the Portuguese international became only the fifth player to score more than 30 goals in a Premier League season as he orchestrated United’s domestic success. Despite a largely underwhelming Euro 2008 campaign the silky skilled winger was by far the best player in the world during 2008.
Thanks to everyone who voted. Notably the top three players matched the top three selected by journalists across Europe for the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy so it proves you do know something about football!
Bookmark with:
