Can the Real Balon d’or Winner Please Stand Up!

 

 Although I would have been thrilled to have seen Casillas win the Balon d’or the reality is that goal keepers are never given the credit that they deserve and well Iker has not been in the best of form as of late. But thats another topic which I will not get into right now. So to be honest if there is one number one player in the world at the moment it is Messi. However, France football thinks otherwise and gave it to Cristiano Ronaldo… here in my site I will give the honor to Messi. The true and rightfully best player on this planet.

Without a doubt that when I think of the best player in the world I can only think of one person, Messi. As much as I dislike Barcelona I am still a lover of beautiful football and I have to call it like it is: Messi is the best. The boy is in a league of his own a true crack with capitol letters. Not since Ronaldinho has a player been so exciting and entertaining to watch. I have to be honest that when I watch a Barcelona match I focus most of my attention to him just waiting to see what mesmerizing move he will come up with next. It’s like an imaginary spotlight that shines just for him. Every movement is so fluid and concise making it impossible for the defence to ever control. Each goal he scores is much more beautiful than the rest and sometimes make me wonder if this kid is for real. I sometimes wish I could just pick at his brain to understand the formulas he creates to unlock any defence. There is just something different and almost impossible to describe when it comes to Messi’s God like gifts. It is commonly said a great and unconquerable players comes every so often that it reaches levels of mythic proportions. If Messi continues in the same path there is no denying that he will be one of those players that fit into that category. So although he did not win the prize this year Messi’s present and future still shines brighter than the Balon d’or that Cristiano Ronaldo currently owns.

Reasons Why Iker Deserves the Balon d’Or

Real Madrid in their official website have posted reasons why Iker Casillas should win the balon d’or and even though it is objective and or subjective, I do think that a player like Casillas is worthy of such a recognition (but my view is also distorted as I am a madridista). 

Here are the reasons:

 1. He had a tremendously successful year:
Champion of Europe and champion of Spain. The Balon d’Or recognizes a player’s performance between January and December, during which Casillas won La Liga and the Euro and conceded the fewest goals in each.

2. He has an amazing track record:
Only 27 years old, Iker has already won four league titles, two European Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup, and now, one European Championship. In 2000 he earned Bravo Trophy honors as the best young player in Europe, only after winning the European Championship with Spain’s Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 squads.

3. His flawless technique: 
Agility, reflexes, one-on-one dominance, sure-handed down low, sure-handed up high. His technique is simply flawless. He reaches balls no one else can. He moves like none other and is always a step ahead. His saves translate into countless points for his team.

4. His stats:
Casillas has already been capped 82 times, only bested by Fernando Hierro -89-, Raúl -102-, and Zubizarreta -126-. He’s played 427 matches for Real Madrid; 311 in La Liga, 16 in Copa del Rey action, 88 in the Champions League, and 12 in other competitions.

5. The symbol of a generation:
A new Spain packed with Champions. Modern, brave, and proud. A generation of athletes born in the 80’s who astonish both home and abroad. Iker has become a pillar of Madridismo and the club with the world’s largest fanbase. His human touch, his transparency. A simple, humble, and down to earth guy.

6. He’s a leader:
Whether it’s by barking orders to his defenders or by standing up in the dressing room, Iker has always been a top dog. He’s a leader within the club and a reference point for fans. And let’s not forget captain of the 2008 European champions.

7. He’s a product of the academy:
The Quinta del Buitre took shape within the Sports City, and rarely have we seen similar cases since. Players who stay put are a rare breed. Raúl and Guti at Real Madrid. Totti at Roma, Scholes, Neville, and Giggs at Manchester. They are examples of commitment and pride. Iker has become a role model for Real Madrid’s youth system.

8. Recognition of a championship:
Tradition dictates that those who step up in summer competitions are recognized by France Football come December. Such was the case for Cannavaro in 2006, Ronaldo in 2002, Zidane in 1998, Sammer in 1996, Mattäus in 1990, and so on. So now it’s Casillas’ turn, not just for his performance against Italy, but because of his perfect Euro during which he conceded just one goal in five matches.

9. History says so:
Ever since Lev Yashin won the award in 1963, no other goalkeeper has been recognized as Europe’s best footballer. Oliver Kahn came close in 2001 and 2002, and Gianluigi Buffon in 2006, but this award is mainly given to forwards, and midfielders, and rarely to defenders and goalkeepers.

10. He’s more than just an athlete:
Realizing what they represent, many footballers take advantage of their privileged situation to help those in need, and Casillas is always on the front line. He’s joined forces in the battle against malaria in Sierra Leon and several months ago with Rafa Nadal organized a benefit match whose proceeds were donated to this ongoing struggle. Iker is also an active partner of the Real Madrid Foundation.

And one last reason… He’s the best.

Once again these views are subjective but there is no denying that Iker has had a phenomenal year. Iker is a complete package as a player and as a person. This list covers just half of the great qualities of San Casillas. This year there is probably just one other person that is in the running to win the Balon d’Or, which would be Ronaldo, who had a great year as well. However, in my opinion, Cristiano is far behind Iker in every aspect.

*Real Madrid would like to hear your opinion and your reasons why Casillas deserves this award. Email them and show your support for Iker: CASILLASBALONDEORO@CORP.REALMADRID.COM