Benzema: Real Madrid behind Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or

Benzema: Real Madrid behind Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or
Posted by Andy Booth on 12/18/12

Karim Benzema has spoken of Real Madrid's pride at Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in the top 3 candidates for this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo is on a shortlist of three men along with Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi to claim the prestigious award, with the winner set to be announced next month on January 7th.

Benzema was on the 23-man list before it was narrowed down but said the club is fully behind Cristiano to claim the award, "Who do I want to win the Ballon d'Or? Cristiano Ronaldo. We're all behind him at Madrid.

"With six players among the final 23 players, Madrid are already the team with the most players on that list, so we won that game

Cristiano Ronaldo: More to life than Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo: More to life than Ballon d'Or
Posted by Ali ahmady on 12/19/12

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out amidst speculation as to who will be crowned as the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, suggesting that it won't be the end of the world if he doesn't win.

Ronaldo is on a shortlist with Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi to win this year's coveted award, with the winner to be announced on January 7th in Zurich.

Ronaldo admitted on the Portuguese FA's website that the trophy would make him happy but that he wasn't hung up on it, "I cannot live worrying about an individual prize, that would not be right, as a career is not marked by individual awards, but by team trophies.

"When the decision is known, maybe I will be very happy, maybe sad... but that is life. If I win then perfect, but if not then life goes on. Obviously I would like to win it, I am not going to be hypocritical or lie, it is an ambition of mine, but I cannot think it is the end. Just or unjust, it will be as it is supposed to be."

Ronaldo also expressed his confidence of Portugal qualifying for Brazil 2014 and said how different it feels to line up for his country, "We know that the margin for error is lower each time, we cannot lose more points, but I believe that the team will get through this phase. In previous years we came through big challenges during qualifying.

"It is one thing to play for your club and another for your national side, they are completely different feelings. It is true that the passion to win and to compete is similar, but there is an more sentimental meaning when we do it for our country."