More than the winner, tears make the news. Cristiano Ronaldo looks like an extraterrestrial when he plays, but from today we officially know that he is a human being. This evening the 2013 Ballon d'Or was awarded to him and, by collecting the prize – which he had already won in 2008, at the time of Manchester United -, the Portuguese champion succumbed to emotion. He started crying: “It's a very emotional moment for me, I can't speak”.
With a broken voice he thanked his team, Real Madrid, remembered the great Eusebio, who passed away last year, and underlined how difficult it is to win the award for the strongest footballer in the world. Lionel Messi had won the accolade for the last four seasons – again in the final this year, this time alongside Frank Ribery – and the Argentine's continuity must have put enormous pressure on the shoulders of his long-time opponent, Ronaldo. A pressure vented today in a few minutes, on stage, in front of the microphone.
“I can't find the words to describe what I feel right now – he said -, thanks to everyone, thanks to my teammates, Real Madrid, the national team and my family. This is a huge honor. Thanks to my president, my agent and many people who are here. I dedicate it to my girlfriend and my son. But you spoke of Eusebio and I also want to mention him. This is a very emotional moment, and I can't say more."
