The One that Hurts the Most.

Two things happened on my way home last night. One, the girlfriend suggested I talk about rhythmic gymnastics, or ice-skating. Don’t worry guys, that won’t happen unless there’s an Olympics involved. Sorry, babe. Second, I had a horrible realization. And this is really going to be painful for me, but I started to think…*sigh*…Cristiano Ronaldo might be the best footballer in the world right now.

In previous blogs I have mentioned my dislike for “America’s Team” Manchester United. It always seems that anyone interested in soccer in America is a Manchester United fan. Why? Is it because American's only know one other team name, that other being Chelsea, or is it that David Beckham played for the Red Devils? Who knows. That’s not the point of today’s bloggin’.

I remember a couple of months ago FIFA was to name their FIFA World Player of the Year. It was a very short list consisting of AC Milan’s Kaka, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, and the afore mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo. Better crack the Red Bull as we get this one started. At the time, I thought, “That’s a tough choice”. Messi has been absolutely brilliant for both club and country. The little Argentinean’s Maradona goal was nothing short of spectacular last year. However, Barcelona has not won a major piece of silverware in the last year.

Ronaldo’s 06/07 season began with a great deal of question, as most of England was in a row over his part in, Manchester United teammate, Wayne Rooney’s sending of in England’s World Cup quarterfinal. His season got off to a slow start, but by the end of the 06/07 season Manchester United had reclaimed the Premiership Title. Ronaldo had finished second in League goals, behind Chelsea's Didier Drogba. In the 06/07 season he also began to shake of his reputation as a diver. Though his reputation would continue to follow him and earn him several yellow cards through out the season.

This season he leads the league in goals with 17 having already tied his total number of goals last season. And with Manchester United in a dead heat with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table Ronaldo could find his way to a FIFA World Player of the Year Award this year. Barcalona stands second in La Liga but Little Messi has only returned to to first team action this month, after a long injury absence. Kaka and the Rossoneri are struggling in the middle of the table in Serie A, some 23 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

If Ronaldo continues his goal scoring, which could be best described as rampant, and if he does not incur any injury. He should easily win this years Golden Boot. I might not like Ronaldo much and I might believe that it looks like he uses more hair and makeup products than some women I know. But, you can’t argue his football. His feet seem to move with a blinding speed. His pace is nothing short of impressive, Nike had the winger show off his speed in a ad for the upcoming release of their new boots, the Mercurial Vapor IV, by having him “race” a Bugatti. Aparently, pumpkin color shoes make you fast.


I might not like the effeminate winger, but right now at this point and time, he is probably the best in the world. So, here’s to Cristiano Ronaldo…getting injured. By the way if I have to choose, I’d rather see Arsenal win the title than United!

One last thing from England, Derby County has new ownership, the majority of which is American. Derby seems to have nestled in comfortably at the bottom of the table and seems a poor investment to this yank, but what do I know.

And in a little piece of American soccer news, congratulations are due to Howard University’s men’s soccer coach, Joseph Okoh, who was arrested in an underage sex sting. Who are these idiots and why do they think they’ll get away with this stuff?! Until next time.