Tricks, flicks, pace, goals, victories, major trophies and a multitude of individual honors… At only 23 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo is on top of the world!

Call him ‘the diver’, ‘the bad boy’ or whatever you want; his real names are ‘the European Player of the Year’, ‘the Ballon d’Or winner’, ‘The UEFA Club Player of the Year’ or ‘The PFA Player of the Year’ to name just a few…

The grown kid from the Madeira Island is the most decorated footballer of 2008. Ronaldo is a reigning king in many departments:
He won the EPL and European Golden Boot after scoring a ridiculous amount of 31 goals, raising the bar at a much higher level for other players who are now trying to emulate him.
Among those goals, let’s remember about the numerous breathtaking free kicks he scored against Sunderland or Portsmouth, as well as the beautiful back heel he made against Aston Villa to drive the ball past everyone inside the penalty box.

In the Champions League, Ronaldo finished as the top scorer with 8 goals including one in the final against Chelsea. That thrilling night could have seen Ronaldo’s dreams turn into bitter nightmares, as his spot kick was punched away by Cech in the penalty shootouts. But faith and luck rescued the Portuguese ace from falling down from the mighty hill he had built since the start of the season.

Ronaldo almost quit United in the summer during the transfer saga, but then ultimately decided to remain a Red Devil. This gave him the opportunity to hit a century of goals at the Theater of Dreams in the most fashionable way against Stoke City. His free-kick thirty yards out of the post flew into the net with the pace of an eagle and with the strength of a rocket to fire the back of the net.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not only an English and European Champion, but also a World Champion after clinching the FIFA World Club Cup far away in Japan in December. Ronaldo scored one goal in the tournament and was by far the crowd’s delight; his unique style of play was very much adored by the Japanese.

If grabbing awards was a kind of habit for Ronaldo during 2008, possessing glamorous ladies was also part of his lifestyle.
The Spanish model from Mallorca, Nereida Gallardo, was at the center of the media’s attention. After months of serious relationship, playboy Ronnie finally split with her in the summer, allowing Italian and Iranian models Letizia Filippi and Niki Ghazian respectively to conquer his heart.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still a single man as the year is coming to an end, a lone king on his throne ready to go in battle and fight to defend his worth and kingdom.

Another title is waiting for him – the Fifa Player of the Year Award – which would see him open 2009 in the most beautiful manner.

Written by: Angela Asante.