₦airaland Forum

LONDON — It “wouldn’t be appropriate” for Western allies to fulfill all of Ukraine’s requests for weaponry, the British prime minister said Friday.

Boris Johnson was speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz following their first in-person meeting in London, hours after Berlin declined to send Marder tanks to Ukraine, arguing that Germany needs them for its own defense needs.

The U.K. will send over £100 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, and an extra 800 anti-tank missiles and precision munitions “capable of lingering in the sky until directed to their target,” Johnson announced. The new British package also includes helmets, night-vision devices and body armor.

However, Johnson said the West will not be able to meet all of the weaponry requests submitted by Ukraine, because it “wouldn’t be appropriate” to supply some of that equipment to Kyiv.

Asked if Britain would send its own tanks and armored vehicles to Kyiv, Johnson replied: “I’m in principle willing to consider anything by way of defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians protect themselves and their people.

“I think it’s important that we should be giving equipment that is genuinely useful and is operable by Ukrainians, that’s our consideration,” he said. “It may be more useful to support the Ukrainians by backfilling and allowing some of the former Warsaw Pact countries to supply some of their own armor in the way that you’ve been seeing.”

Scholz agreed with Johnson, saying allies “must always look at what can be used effectively.”

“The fact is that we are trying to supply weapons that are useful and can be used well … the successes that the Ukrainian army has achieved so far show that these are particularly effective weapons: anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft weapons, munition.”

Scholz also said the criticism directed at French President Emmanuel Macron over his dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin was “unjustified,” and added that Macron “has shown great commitment” to achieving peace in Ukraine.

Russian forces have abandoned “a lot” of tanks, vehicles, and artillery in a “hasty” withdrawal from northern Ukraine, according to a Western official.

“It has been a pretty hasty withdrawal by Russian forces and there’s a lot of Russian equipment which has been abandoned in that hasty withdrawal and that’s only going to exacerbate the challenge they have in terms of the refurbishment and reconstitution of their forces as they remove them both into Belarus and into Russia.”

They added: “Some of it is kind of unclear as to why it’s been abandoned because you might have thought some of these vehicles are still usable … and I think there’s something around the collapse of morale and the collapse of the will to fight.”

Closer than ever
At the press conference, the British premier applauded Germany’s “seismic decisions” to decrease its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, saying sanctions against Russia are “not easy for any of us.”

Scholz said the sanctions imposed against the Kremlin so far were “highly effective.” He also defended Germany’s timetable for reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels, despite accusations of moving too slowly to break that dependence.

“We are doing all we can and we are doing a lot. I think it is a very strong decision that we took to go away from the use of fossil resources … This will take place in approximately 20 years and this will be a very tough agenda, to make it clear,” Scholz said.

Despite ongoing EU-U.K. wrangling over post-Brexit trade rules in Northern Ireland, Johnson said Britain’s bilateral relationship with Germany has become “even more vital” since Russia invaded Ukraine, and that the U.K. and Germany share “exactly the same conviction that Putin must pay” for his attack.

The pair discussed talks to smooth the implementation of the controversial Northern Ireland protocol, but Johnson declined to elaborate on the contents of their discussion or to rule out suspending the agreement, which is part of the Brexit divorce deal.

The two leaders announced their respective Cabinets will hold regular meetings as part of a bid to improve their bilateral relationship, confirming a POLITICO report from September. The first meeting will take place at the beginning of next year, Scholz said.

“We both share our conviction that our relations are good,” Scholz said.

Source: https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-germany-rule-out-send-tanks-ukraine/

China mission to the European Union has hit out at NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg after the alliance chief accused Beijing of undermining global security by refusing to condemn Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers on Thursday, Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels that China's failure to stand against Russian aggression represents "a serious challenge to us all."

China's mission to the EU told Newsweek in a statement that it is the North Atlantic alliance, not Beijing, that is destabilizing international security.

"Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has always maintained an objective and fair position, remained committed to promoting peace talks and made positive efforts towards the de-escalation of the situation," the mission said.

"This stands in contrast to the attempts of fanning the flames and adding fuel to the fire as some organizations do," the statement added, an apparent reference to NATO, which Beijing has criticized for sending weapons to Ukraine to help defend against Russia.

"It has been more than 30 years since the Cold War ended," the mission continued.

"NATO, as a remnant of the Cold War, has not only failed to reflect on its role as such, but also continued to expand its geographical scope and range of operations, and is increasingly targeting China.

"This is the serious challenge confronting global peace and stability."

China has refused to criticize Russia directly for its invasion and has condemned the West for its subsequent unprecedented sanctions on Moscow.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Wednesday: "History and reality have proven that sanctions do not bring peace and security, but only bring lose-lose or multiple losses, adding to the already difficult world economy and impacting the existing world economic system."

Zhao accused the U.S. of fanning the flames of conflict in Ukraine to "profit from the chaos and make a lot of money." Moscow has repeatedly alleged the same of the U.S. and its NATO partners.

He also refused to blame Russia for alleged war crimes in occupied northern areas recently vacated by invading troops. Satellite images and intercepted military communications suggest that Russian troops tortured and executed civilians in Kyiv suburbs including Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel.

Ukrainian and European leaders have said Russian forces were behind the killings, though Moscow and its media organs have tried to blame Ukrainian troops and dismiss the growing evidence as fabricated.

Zhao said Wednesday that the "truth and the cause of the incident must be verified...All parties should exercise restraint and avoid unfounded accusations before a conclusion of the investigation is drawn."

Stoltenberg on Thursday was clear that NATO sees China's reaction to the Russian invasion as a threat to the alliance.

"We have seen that China is unwilling to condemn Russia's aggression," the NATO chief said. "And Beijing has joined Moscow in questioning the right of nations to choose their own path. This is a serious challenge to us all. It makes it even more important that we stand together to protect our values."

NATO's Asia Pacific Partners—Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea—joined alliance foreign ministers for discussions in Brussels. Stoltenberg said this was a reflection of the "global ramifications" of the crisis in eastern Europe.

The defensive alliance and its partners in the Asia Pacific agreed "to step up our practical and political cooperation in several areas," including cyber technology, maritime security, climate change, and resilience, Stoltenberg said.


Source: https://www.newsweek.com/china-nato-russia-ukraine-war-stoltenberg-1696250

Johnrake69:
This is the stand Africa should take as Russia has always backed India throughout in History. And for those still asking what has Africa benefited
Russia supported decolonization efforts in Africa.

Namely;

Algeria: provided military, technical and material support to the National Liberation Front (NFN) to liberate Algeria from their French colonial masters during the Algeria Independence war and was the first country in the world to recognize the provisional Government of the Algerian Republic.

Angola: Russia helped stopped the Apartheid South African government from encroaching into Angola. They trained their forces in both Namibia and Tanzania.

Congo: Patrice Lumunba reached out to Russia for military assistance and they promptly responded by sending military advisors and munitions but the might of Belgian backed forces that had colonized Congo for decades was too much and Patrice Lumumba was later executed. One of the charismatic leaders Africa ever produced.

Egypt: Russia supported Gamal Abdul Nasser administration and gave scholarships to young Egyptians and among them was a future president Hosni Mubarak

Ethiopia: Helped Ethiopia regain its sovereignty after it was almost taken over by Somalia. The Somalia forces had completely taken over Ethiopia before Russia shipped in military hardwares and that was the end of the war

Guinea: Russia supported anticolonial struggle in Guinea. Gave aids to their newly formed independent government

South Africa: Russia was in the forefront of supporting the end to the apartheid regime. Funded the African National Congress.

In summary:
While the west colonized you and took away your resources, Russia supported decolonization and was applauded by Mandela.

The West never made any sacrifices for Africans

God bless your intellectuality this is one of the few highly reasonable comment I have ever read on nairaland so far based on the current international eco-political border security invasion in Ukraine. Technically, most individual comment on this issue project a foretaste of average Nigerians IQ on International Political Debate and Issue in reference to Geo-zone countries acting diplomatically without consuming doctored information as it is presented by the media without studying the underlining psychology of interest of Bloc Power countries influencing others to take side due to their neutrality which most be respected not coerce.

Critical Economic under the influence of Intelligent. In every adversity there is a seed of greater benefit. Daunting obstacles brings the beast in you to prevail waking the sleeping talent, creativity and genius in you.

The country further promised to continue to provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens in its territory.

Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian government has said it will provide assistance in the evacuation of Nigerian students that were stuck in Kherson, Ukraine.

The country further promised to continue to provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens in its territory.

Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to Russia with concurrent accreditation to Belarus, a statement from the Russian Embassy stated.

The statement said, “Bogdanov informed Shehu regarding logistics arrangements put in place by Russia to assist in the evacuation of Nigerian students that were stuck in Kherson, Ukraine.

“He assured the ambassador that the Russian Government will provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens in the Russian Federation.

“During their conversation, the current situation in Ukraine was discussed, as well as a range of topical matters regarding the future development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Nigeria relations.

“Also were efforts to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology, culture, humanitarian sphere and other fields.”

Bogdanov, who is also Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, further informed Shehu that the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation would offer admissions to Nigerians willing to continue their education in Russia.

The minister recalled the warm and beneficial relationships between Nigeria and Russia, as well as the latter’s military and political support to Nigeria during the civil war.

It also mentioned that such support was in the area of subsequent assistance to Nigeria to build the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, as well as assistance for nuclear technology development for peaceful purposes.

“He further assured the Nigerian Envoy that Russia considers Nigeria as an important country and a strategic partner in Africa and will continue to strengthen our bilateral relationships,” the statement added.

Source : http://saharareporters.com/2022/03/19/russia-offers-provide-university-admission-nigerian-students-stuck-ukraine

NoFucksToGive:
Now you see why year in year out they keep lowering the life expectancy for us men? ...
WHO said as at 40.years a man's heart is twice as worn out than that of a woman... High blood pressure worrying and over thinking kills us off...
Truly men are now an endangered species.. and women blame us when we have decided not to marry again .

United Nations statistics showed that globally 98% of suicide victims are men.. 97% of work place accident related deaths are men, world wide 98% of road accident victims are men , 99% of soldiers killed in wars are men... Then 99% of murder victims are men .. you work hard all your life ,

We are an endangered species ..in today's world the worst thing you can be is a man...

If you are down and ask for help they will call you a weak man, a beggar and failure, of you are down and don't ask for help and keep struggling they will call you a failure , and say you are.not trying hard enough , if you are ask for help as a.man no one will help you, of you are down and you decide you can't take it anymore and commit suicide then you are labelled a weakling .. but if you stay alive no one will still help you.

It's not easy for men

This is so deep and insightful

dreyboard:
What's your point here exactly, is it that modric is better than Messi or those useless super eagles players you mentioned are better than Messi?... Messi is aged and that's all, you don't expect him to play like before..., Where are those modric and your so called super eagles players when Messi dey ball..., Even if you hate him, you will be happy you watched Messi when he was balling...
Both Ronaldo and Messi should not be compare with anyone abeg, their competency over the years no be for here

You are blessed for making this point.

Ronaldo received a special in-person award at what was largely a virtual ceremony for FIFA's The Best ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

"It's a dream. First of all, I have to say thank you to my teammates, especially in the national team during the last 20 years that I used to play with. I never thought of beating that record," Ronaldo said.

"I have to say thank you to my family, my wife, my kids - soon I will be a father again! I'm really proud, it's a great achievement to be the top scorer of all time."

Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It spans the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, sharing borders with the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, and Togo in the east. Population: 31.07 million (2020).


1. Twitter announced Ghana as the headquarters for its operations in Africa.

2. Toyota commissioned its assembly plant in Ghana.

3. Ghana was elected by the General Assembly of the United Nations to serve a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council for the period January 2022 to December 2023. Ghana got the highest votes among all countries involved. Ghana secured 185 votes out of 190 votes cast.

4. New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams declared that nothing will stop him from visiting Ghana, not even #covid-19.

5. Peugeot, a French car manufacturer, assembled its first car in Ghana, through a collaboration with Silver Star Auto Limited.

6. Ghana commissioned the first ever 4-tier interchange in West Africa.


7. Ghana became the first country in the world to receive vaccines acquired through the United Nations-backed COVAX initiative.

8. Ghana defeated South Africa to qualify for the play-offs of the World Cup.

9. Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni had his album, “Voice of Bunbon Vol. 1” nominated for “Best Global Music Album” for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards .

10. Ghana’s President was voted as the African of the year 2021 by Forbes Africa.


Is Nigeria still the giant of Africa?

One night in October, Paris Saint-Germain played a league game against last season’s French champions, Lille. In the first half, Lille dominated completely. Thirty minutes in, Canadian Jonathan David scored for Lille, with a dazzlingly quick movement.

At the other end of the field, Lionel Messi stood there in his PSG shirt, looking puzzled but admiring of the goal. Messi was subbed off at half-time, allegedly with muscle strain. PSG came back to win 2-1.

How did all this happen: Messi gone from Barcelona to PSG, Barcelona almost bankrupt and sinking, languishing in the middle of the La Liga table at year’s end, and already out of the Champions League? The mess that surrounded the Messi move and Barcelona’s collapse into mediocrity is one of soccer’s great mysteries, or an outright tragedy, depending on your loyalties.


Brief History Of Messi Football Career


At that stage, Messi was five years old in Rosario, Argentina, and already attracting attention for his skills. And at age 13, Messi would arrive in Barcelona with his family. He’d get needed medical treatment and be schooled and nourished at the team’s academy into becoming one of the best players in the world.

He would experience little except Barcelona, staying for 18 years, and be at the core of a team that won the La Liga championship 10 times, the Spanish Super Cup eight times, the Copa del Rey six times and the UEFA Champions League four times.


Eventually, Lionel Messi became the perfect player to use everything established by Cruyff, later honed and perfected by Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who has played under Cruyff and became his assistant and student. Under Guardiola, Barcelona’s glory years began in 2008 and continued even after Guardiola left, exhausted by the internal politics of a club owned and controlled by the city’s “burgesia,” or merchant class.


The glory years, when the club became a global phenomenon, made it lazy, suggests Kuper. Fewer young players emerged from its academy and those who did often left, knowing that breaking into a team anchored by Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Victor Valdes was unlikely. As money poured in from TV rights and merchandising, Messi demanded more and more every season. His father, Jorge, did the demanding.


Messi quietly asserted himself in the backrooms, asking the club to acquire new players that would suit his style of play, and dispense with others. Between 2014 and 2020, the club spent close to €1-billion ($1.45-billion) on acquiring players, often overpaying for overrated youngsters who never lasted long.


And when Messi got a pay raise, everyone in the team knew it, asked for a raise and got it. The payroll was staggeringly large. Between 2017 and 2021 it is estimated that Messi was paid €555-million.

Kuper is excellent on both the internal politics of the club and roles played by the most junior staffer to the club president, and the meaning of what happens at La Masia, where the focus is not just on developing skills, but the science of nutrition, sleep and psychology.


There is also a fascinating analysis of how the Barcelona style of play is created, from the training sessions to the instructions given to players about how and when to move the ball forward.

Anyone who watched the team – and Spain, which absorbed much of the club’s technique – will agree when Kuper says, “None of this is trivial. What Barca created, in the world’s most beloved sport, is one of the most cheering of human achievements.”

As for Messi, he couldn’t see the writing on the wall: Barcelona had accumulated massive debt and could not afford to pay him. In 2020, he had been tempted to leave, probably for Guardiola at Manchester City but, as Kuper reveals, his father’s amateurish approach to negotiations meant Messi had to stay, and take a pay cut.

In 2021, Jorge Messi tried to reach a similar deal, but that proved impossible. COVID had tipped the balance; the loss of revenue from games not played had made Barcelona a financial basket case. Even if Messi played for free, the club was barely functioning, mired in deep debt.

Now, Messi plays for Paris Saint-Germain, sometimes playing well but often looking forlorn and puzzled; lost in the mess of it all, something that even he, the genius with the ball, cannot comprehend.


Messi is one of the greatest player that ever play the round leather. An amazing playmaker, a keen to ball statistical analysis strategy with his dominant feet in reams of seconds that baffles football world. A glorious out of the world goals. Above all Messi will remain Messi a very talented player the world might not forget in the next 100 years.

Kingcalls:
Most of you all don't know anything about football.... so u think a player than shined for 10 yrs of which half of those years were spent on the sidelines is better than the one than has been consistent for 18yrs , never was out of form and never was sidelined .... if CR7 was Brazilian, he wud have won at least 2 world cups ... Ronaldo cudnt even take Barcelona, inter Milan, Real Madrid or AC Milan to any champions league final... Ronaldo de Lima scored 83 goals for real madrid in 127 games after 5 yrs ... CR7 did 100 goals in 98 games in the beginning of his 3rd season at real madrid ... de Lima did 49 goals in 68 games at inter after 5 years... CR7 did 70 goals in 82 appearances in his first 2 years at Juventus ... de Lima played with the likes of zidane Figo, Raul, Beckham, R.carlos, Owen... while CR7 was playing with morata , kuluvcheski, bernadeschi , matuidi , bentacur , mckenni bonucci, schezny , dybala ,Arthur , Rabio at juve...delima played with players like Alvaro Recoba, zamorano , djorkaeff, vieri , pagluica , taribo , pirlo , simeone, Zanetti, Ze Elias , Aron winter , Nicola Ventola , Baggio , colonese, Ivan cordoba, seedorf, laurent blanc , simic at inter .... had lippi as coach and later marco Tardelli

CR7 shattered delimas records both in spain and Italy, whr delima had his most successful career... also shattered his international goals.... if delima was Portuguese, he wudnt even win one trophy for portugal.... I will not talk about their balon dor wins cos that one is determined by votes... I only believe in stats , thats what differentiate players, thats what determines the greatest of all time... this is the reason y I will always take the champions league ahead of the world cup , cos world cup limits players abilities bcis of their national birth ,whr u must stick with the country of birth... so let's say , if pele was from Bolivia, or Maradona was from Venezuela, u will right them off despite fantastic club records, just because they play for handicapped teams.... if Lewandowski was German , he wud been a world cup winner, its not fair dropping him cos he plays for Poland.... de Lima was lucky he played for Brazil , a luxury CR7 dint have ...delima played with the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo , kaka , Andriano, cafu , Roberto Carlos, Dida , dani Alves, Gilberto silva , ze Roberto, denilson, edmilson...

This present Portuguese team is the best they hv ever had in history but unfortunately, CR7 is now at his Twilight... imagine this squad with a 28 yr old Ronaldo and a Mourinho of 10yrs ago ... they will win the world cup

Superb analysis with logic without blind bias. More blessings to you.

Former Brazilian striker and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo Nazario recently picked out the four players he thinks are the best of all time.

The Brazilian is himself often considered among the best football players to have ever stepped on the pitch. He famously played for Barcelona for a season before joining Real Madrid further on in his career. Ronaldo never won the Champions League but was part of a three-world cup winning squads for Brazil.When asked his opinion about the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo narrowed down the list to four players. He said:



"For me, in the classification of the best in history, the four names would be Pele, Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They are the top four in the history of football."

While quite a few fans will not be happy with the non-inclusion of some of today's biggest football stars, the Brazilian picked out a very solid list of players.


Ronaldo Nazario comments on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's place in history

Ronaldo Nazario had earlier defended Cristiano Ronaldo and claimed that he will be 'bored' by claims about the Brazilian being the 'real Ronaldo'. He said:


"For CR7, it must be boring to hear that I am the real Ronaldo. People cannot be compared. Cristiano will remain in football history for the goals and for the continuity he has achieved. He will remain one of the best, like Messi.”


Both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have done more than enough in the last two decades to be included in the Brazilian's list. The likes of Johan Cryuff, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane and Rivaldo are among a plethora of other footballing legends who could have made the list.


However, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have achieved a level of consistency that has simply never been seen before. Both players have been scoring bucketloads of goals for more than a decade and have largely made a mockery of the Ballon d’Or award by winning it on numerous occasions.

Perriton:
Btw Am a Professional software developer and this is what i know

The fact is Many are called few are chosen. IT skills choose people not the other way round

Dont Learn Programming or data science.
The fastest way to be a programmer or data scientist is to execute multiple project.

Learning programming without a project is like playing football without a goal post. You will end up trying to know everything and cramming codes

Finally there is no shortcut programming takes years and sweat to be a professional.

Certain things must take time .You cant produce a baby in a month by getting 9 women pregnant

You are so on point bullet of truth I believe your experience speaks for you so Loud. This is one of the best comment so far on this particular topic. May God bless you abundantly and your family too. Remain bless Perriton you are a Genius.

George Weah" I Am Never Proud Of The Ballon D'or Award Since I Won It And I Suffer From Racism.

George Weah" I am never proud of the BALLON D'OR award since I won it and I suffer from racism in Europe!!

I remember the headline of the front page of La Gazzetta dello sport in the abroad heading the next day, "And oh, the black wins the gold"


Even inside Milan, they were making fun of me and Africa repeating at every opportunity, "Did you sell it to buy them bread"!!


Drogba won everything with Chelsea, Eto'o won everything with Barcelona and inter Milan, but did they give them gold? NO...why?...


Because they do not have the humanity to give gold to black Africans

Gold is not a ball that is given to the best ....

Real gold is to be good-hearted person and does not hurt the feelings of others...

The truth is that the own racism but not humanity!!!

George Weah under rating Ballon D'or Award

Nairalander's What Is Your Thoughts On This

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: Which of these two greats have impacted this generation more?


Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both been notable names in the round leather game having been ruling the modern game of football for over a decade and have both shared the podium for almost fifteen years, with both still very much relevant hitherto performing at the peak for club and country.


There has been an old time comparison between the two greatest footballers on who's better than the other in terms of record both individual and collective, trophies won, level of impact and most significantly who the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) is.


Another fresh unending argument emerged just this last Monday when the 2021 Ballon d'or award ceremony was held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris which saw the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi claiming his 7th record award which now placed him two ahead of his Portuguese compatriot which many sees as been enough to put an end to the GOAT argument.

This has caused heated discussions among football fans and lovers, former and current footballers, social media users on why the former Barcelona talisman deserves the award ahead of Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski who seems more deserving to be crowned the winner after missing out from the last year edition due to the outbreak of Corona Virus.

These two unarguably are the best of their generation having been at the forefront and contributing their quota by writing their names with gold in the history of football breaking some records that seem unbreakable.

The question about who is the greatest or who has impacted this generation more is left to be answered based on ones discretion and opinion in picking ones favourite.


The icing on the cake is the fact that Lionel Messi has proved his worth considering having the highest chances created, highest number of assists and still competing among the top goalscorers.


Also Cristiano Ronaldo has better goal ratio and has proved himself in England, Italy and Spain which was another basis of argument with the claim that Lionel Messi is a one system phenomenon and brilliant under one specific system and has always scored in one league with a team built around him, until the latter made a move away from Barcelona in the last summer transfer window to Paris Saint Germain.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 100 goals in Spain, England and Italy including the Portugal national team but Lionel Messi also has the record for the most goals scored for a single club which could be hard for a player to break which makes Messi's level of commitment and dedication been at top notch.

In terms of individual awards, Lionel Messi who is two years younger than the Portuguese ace has more despite playing over 140 games lesser than the latter coupled with overall trophies won, a stat many considered to be enough in putting their argument to bed.


There is no gainsaying that Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have more impact social media wise with Lionel Messi been a bit ahead when it comes to pure football and technical ability on the pitch of play.

Irrespective of the stats to back these two football icons, it has been a privilege to watch them both played in this generation as they have been helping the current generation in different ways based on their personal idiosyncrasies.


Enjoy the magic displayed by these two while it lasted because truth be told, you can't like one or tell the story of one without making reference to the other and as such made them looked inseparable.


Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: The greatest duo the world has ever seen in football World.

The main question revolves around the perceived importance of winning a major trophy for Argentina. In the Copa America Centenario, Messi broke Gabriel Batistuta’s record with his 55th goal for Argentina. So by that metric, he is the greatest player in Argentina’s history.


Those who do not think Messi is the best Argentinian player ever usually insist that Diego Maradona was better, though he only scored 34 goals. The main difference is that Maradona won a World Cup in 1986, most notable for his controversial “Hand of God” goal. For many Argentinians (and plenty of other people), this puts Maradona above Messi.


There is no good way to weigh each player's accomplishments against the other, considering the different eras, teammates, opponents, etc. Instead, it seems like the best way to differentiate the two is based on how we feel looking back on their careers (assuming Messi is done).


We look at Messi’s career, and we can not help but feel disappointed. For all his talent, he has lost 4 major tournament finals with Argentina, three of them in the last 8 years.


He is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has won every conceivable trophy in his career at Barcelona. Those accomplishments stand in such strong contrast from his international achievements, so it is understandable to see why he takes so much criticism from the Argentinian fans and media (even though won Copa American once).


Messi takes a lot of criticism for not being a true Argentinian. Messi moved from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy when he was 13 years old, so he did not come of age at the big Argentinian clubs like Boca Juniors or River Plate. It makes sense that many fans do not identify Messi as a fellow Argentinian.


It does not help that he also received a Spanish passport and citizenship when he was 18, so he could gain a spot in Barcelona’s squad as a European citizen to avoid La Liga’s restrictions on foreign players. His life and career have not accentuated his Argentinian-ness, and he seems somehow foreign and different than his teammates, which you can feel when you watch him stare silently during Argentina’s national anthem.


The main point i am trying to get across is that Messi will be remembered as a Barcelona player before he will be remembered as an Argentinian one. The pictures of him that will last throughout time will most likely feature the blaugranes (Barcelona) more than the albiceleste (Argentina football team). His international legacy is absurdly complicated and disappointing.

Be that may my love for the 7th times Ballon D'or winner will remain as solid as mountain. Messi is one of the greatest player the world has ever seen. Hating him is a waste of time, a raw gifted talent, an incredible playmaker, round leather miracle worker, an astonishing record breaker, a strategist goal scorer just to name but a few.


Long Live Lionel Messi The Indisputable Lion King Of Football.

Scoring 800 goals is not a small record as only the best of the best can be able to reach this milestone. For a player to reach Cristiano Ronaldo's 800 goals he must be consistent, active and always in good form.

A young and upcoming must always be consistent and Injury-free to be able to match Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible number and cement his name in the history book of football. Let's do some mathematics and possible scenarios of how long it will take a footballer to reach this number.

Normally, a footballer active years in football is 20 years, only goalkeepers and top Players have the longevity to play active football for more than 20 years. If you start your career at the age of 17 and play active football for 20 years, you will retire at the age of 37 bar injuries and setbacks.

Again, to be able to reach these numbers, a player may have to play for top teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or PSG. These clubs are known for parading the best players in the world capable of helping a striker to achieve their dream.

Here are the two scenarios a player may be able to reach Cristiano Ronaldo's record:

1. Tier One players - averaging 50 goals per season (20 active years):


Even Cristiano Ronaldo the creator of the award never scored 50 goals in all the seasons he has played during his career. It's almost impossible to score 50 goals in a season as players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi only managed to reach this number on about five occasions.


Scoring 50 goals per season consistently will see a player ending his career with 1000 goals.


2. Tier One players - averaging 40 goals per season (20 active years):


Scoring 40 goals in a season is also not an easy feat as a player will have to score in every match in a season. Scoring 40 goals per season consistently will see a player ending his career with 800 goals.


Scoring less than 40 goals every season will see a player ending his career with less than 800 career goals.


Looking at the above analysis and scenario, you will agree with me that Cristiano Ronaldo's 800 career goals milestone is not a small feat as it is already statistically impossible to break. Although football is a game of uncertainty as everything and anything is possible in the game hence why we should not rule out the chances of a player breaking this outstanding record in the future.



Over to you my amiable nairalander's Do you think any Player can reach Cristiano Ronaldo's 800 goals in the future?

I am not talking only about Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also, but about the boy who is by his side, his "adopted son."

His name is "Martunis". This boy was stranded on a beach for 21 days after a tsunami destroyed his home and unfortunately killed his father, mother and siblings.

After being asked what pushed him to survive, he replied:

"I want to live, to become a soccer player and thus make my family proud."

His story traveled the world and reached the ears of Cristiano Ronaldo, who paid for the boy's home to be rebuilt and put it at his disposal.

Years passed, and nothing more was heard from Martunis, until on July 1, 2015, Sporting de Portugal unveiled a new player for their squad ...

Chelsea's manager- Thomas Tuchel was one of the few gaffers to have given his opinion on the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards. The Ballon d'Or event took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in France on Monday, 30th November 2021 with many superstars and coaches in attendance. Lionel Messi eventually won the awards after beating off competition from Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.


Nevertheless, some plaudits, players, and former players think the diminutive Argentine doesn't deserve the prize despite having a good outing with Argentina where he won Copa America for the first time in his illustrious career.


He also scored a couple of goals for FC Barcelona and won the Copa Del Rey with them. However, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Lewandowski have given their opinions about the announcement but only Lewandowski sounded reasonable about the result. Ronaldo on the other hand had a different way of expressing his disappointment by simply liking and commenting on an Instagram post that stated Messi wasn't deserving of the award.


While trying to find a way around the situation, Thomas Tuchel gave his opinion when asked if Jorginho deserved to have been the outright winner of the award.


" We had a player (Jorginho) who had won all of the major titles and was heavily involved, so it would not have been surprising if he had taken home the trophy. It was a choice, and it's an election, and once it's chosen, you have to accept it, whether you like it or not, and life goes on." This is one of the best responses and a perfect message to other contenders who feel cheated and worked up over the outcome of the results. He stressed that: "...It was a choice, and it's an election, and once it's chosen, you have to accept it, whether you like it or not, and life goes on." Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. should accept the fact that they were not chosen as the outright winners and therefore, must move on with their lives rather than cry over spilled milk.


Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski have started this season pretty well while Lionel Messi has struggled to make an impact since he joined Paris Saint Germain during the summer transfer window. The Pole striker has already scored 25 goals this season while Ronaldo is currently on 12 goals with six of them coming in the UEFA Champions League group stage matches. This incredible feat by these two superstars will surely go a long way in projecting them for the award next year if they can maintain the consistency and win trophies along the line. So, Tuchel has delivered inch-perfect advice to other nominees and its now therefore in their place to stay focused on the current season or choose to dwell in the past which would possibly affect their productivity in the future.


Messi and Ronaldo are great player that's why their fans still compare and argue even insulting themselves that's extreme loyalty, irrespective of that Ronaldo & Messi the greatest player ever to grace world football.

However, fans going extreme sincerely is not necessary. Let us enjoy two greatest player irrespective of their weaknesses, play methods & awards. Fans arguing about them shows how great they are in influencing us psychological, emotional and otherwise that's called Greatness.

Messi and Ronaldo are individually great both of them have done something no footballer dare to dream of using coiled terminology insult here on nairaland is unecessary. I will always love both Messi and Ronaldo any time any day.


I spent hours watching Ronaldo and Messi in their youth days on YouTube I was wowed both really entertain me in their style of play which is influenced by their individual differences, hard work and talent.

To me both are play maker, both have scored incredible goals from different angle, in and outside the box, free kick, bicycle kick, dribble to score etc. Age is catching up with them now so their style of play has changed drastically showing nothing last forever. In the next 100 years Ronaldo and Messi will be in the heart of many their legacy is sealed in the sand of time. Arguing and comparing is a waste of time let us enjoy the two great that ever exist in the football world. In close future Messi and Ronaldo argument will be reduced to barest minimum as we grow old too all will be gone only memories left some will look back and burst into smile in reflection of Messi and Ronaldo memories.

5 or 7 Ballon D' Or does not mean one is greater than other. This award was created by imperfect human like you and I to appreciate hard work and accomplishment. We have seen first class students that are dumb due to the fact that they were blessed with rote memorization yet unable to deliver yet, 3rd class or 2nd class lower perform and achieve a lot outside the four wall of the school. Same goes to different field and life reality. Voting is like betting, a political interest of who you prefer at certain point in time. Ronaldo 5 Ballon D'or shows he is great with 5 political choice at certain times influencing the interest of people who voted for him. Messi with 7 Ballon D'or in same fashion. I read on nairaland Messi was favoured a particular player deserves it in a particular year same apply to ronaldo eg Ribbery.

Modric was awarded the Ballon D'or in which his achievements is less than other players in 2018 yet he was given the award does it mean he is better No fans actually appreciate his hard work which influences their choice of interest over other players who perform better than him, that's political choice of interests. So not all award is deserving. Messi have won let us leave it as such.


Fans throwing this word FRAUD is laughable.

Is Ronaldo Fraud ? Capital NO
Is Messi Fraud ? Capital NO

Their achievements prove it otherwise. Their stats is there Google is your friend or check their YouTube Videos of their amazing, awe inspiring display. We all know sentiment affects perception in the face of facts and reality. Messi and Ronaldo are rare breed of player that ever exist.

Head-to-Head Stats Between Messi & Lewandowski That Proved The Rightful Winner Of Ballon D'or



Last night's Ballon D'or Award ceremony has continued to generate reactions around the world ever since Lionel Messi was announced as the winner of the prestigious award.



There are some people that believe that the honor shouldn't have been awarded to the Argentine player.

They also believe that 2021 is the year Bayern Munich forward, Robert Lewandowski should have won it due to his remarkable contributions to his club.

However, this article would focus on some of the factors that might have influenced the outcome of the awards.



Looking at Lionel Messi's stats for the year under review, we could see that he scored 40 goals and assisted 16 goals from the 49 games he was involved in between January and October.


Messi also made 2525 accurate passes and completed 224 dribbles.

Robert Lewandowski on the other scored 54 goals and assisted 8 goals from 45 games.

Below is the breakdown of the individual achievement of the two players.


Lionel Messi

Games 49

Goals 40



Assists 16

Shots on Target 103

Accurate passes 2525

Dribbles Completed 224

Chances Created 26

Tackles 31

Recovery 107


Points won by goals 22

Points won by G/A 39

Match winning goals 9

Match winning G/A 15

Man of the match 27

Teams Trophies: Cape Del Rey, Copa America

Individual Award: La Liga top scorer, Copa America top scorer, Copa America top assist, Copa America Pott.

Record broken: Most NT goals in CONMEBOL, Most Goals in A Single club

Robert Lewandowski


Games 45

Goals 54

Assist 8

Shots on Target 98

Accurate Passes 715

Dribbles Completed 48

Chances Created 55

Tackles 16

Recovery 98

Points won by goals 20

Points won by G/A 25

Match winning goals 8

Match winning G/A 10

Man of the match 13

Teams Trophies: Bundesliga, Club World Cup.

Individual Awards: Bundesliga top scorer, European Golden Shoe, CWC Golden Ball,

Record Broken: Most Goals in a single Buli season.


Who do you think deserves the award between Messi and Lewandowski? Kindly share your thoughts below the comments.

The 2021 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in France on Monday night, and the likes of Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Jorginho N'Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema are the front runners to grab the prestigious award this year following their impressive performances for both club and country.



However, many tips Messi to win the award for his seventh time ahead of Jorginho, Lewandowski, and others, but one important element could give the Italian midfield maestro an edge over Lionel Messi and other top candidates for this year's Ballon d'Or, and could shock the football world by going on to win the award.


Below is the Important reason why Jorginho may shock the football world by winning the Ballon d'Or tonight.



In the 2018-19 season, Luka Modric was won the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Griezmann, and Mbappe who had scored more goals and also provided more assists than him for their respective clubs and countries.



This was due to his overall performances for Real Madrid and Croatia as he led them to a Champions League victory and World Cup final. Despite scoring just 4 goals with 8 assists for Real Madrid in all competitions, and 2 goals with an assist for Croatia, he won the award ahead of Messi who scored 51 goals in all competitions for Barcelona.


Modric also won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year after his outstanding performance in the Champions League.


Jorginho's stats and achievements this year.

In The 2020-21 season, Jorginho led Chelsea to a Champions League victory, making the competition's team of the season in the process thanks to his fantastic showings in the Chelsea midfield, his strong individual performances in the Chelsea midfield was backed up with 8 goals and 2 assists in all competitions.


Jorginho has won three big trophies and a prestigious individual award this year.


He also helped his country to win the Euro 2021 and also made the team of the season before returning to Chelsea to help them win the UEFA Super Cup. He was then awarded the UEFA Men's Player of the Year thanks to his impressive performances for both club and country at the European level.



Jorginho didn't win these four trophies by mistake, but by hard work and good performances and he deserves the Ballon d'Or.


And given the Ballon d'Or can be given to any football player who performed well in his position and also help his club and country to win important trophies in the process, Jorginho stands a big chance of shocking the football world to win the Ballon d'Or in France this night, given he is the most decorated player the Europ's top 5 leagues this year.


Do you believe Jorginho can win the Ballon d'or tonight? Since a lot of football analyst are here on nairaland which mainly favour Messi. Tonight might be a shock to many football fans around the world. Let us wait and see.

As for me the best should win it.

Rafael van der Vaart recently launched a verbal assault on Lionel Messi. The Argentinian has struggled in Ligue 1, and his poor performance against Man City in the Champions League last night welcomed further criticism.

Messi’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a dominant Manchester City. The Argentinian offered little during the game and was awarded a disappointing 4/10 by L’Equipe for his contribution. They added that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner ought to have worked harder to help build his team’s play.

Pep Guardiola’s men contained the legend, who ultimately didn’t perform anywhere near his brilliant best. However, this isn’t the only match that the 34-year-old has struggled in this season, having only bagged one goal in this campaign.
His performances and indeed his attitude have resulted in harsh criticism from the former Dutch midfield maestro.

What did he have to say?
The 38-year-old was full of criticism for the forward, with whom he is deeply disappointed. He believes that Messi’s attitude is his main weakness.

Van der Vaart’s sense of appreciation for the Argentian has decreased, whilst his admiration for Messi’s Portuguese counterpart, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been rising. In an appearance on Dutch TV, van der Vaart gave his unfiltered opinion.


He said: “It makes me sad. It’s a question of desire. Does he want it or not? When you compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, one is fighting to take his team to the next level – and one isn’t. Messi walks now and then. I look at him and think, ‘Aren’t you ashamed? I’m just getting annoyed with him. It already started a bit with Ronald Koeman [at Barcelona]. It was a refusal to work, which is not normal for such a player. And that’s a shame because a player like this will never be born again.”


Van der Vaart on Messi and Ronaldo:

"When you compare Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, one is fighting to take his team to the next level – and one isn't."

"Messi just walks now and then. I look at him and think, 'Aren't you ashamed?' I'm just getting annoyed with Messi." pic.twitter.com/EK9KDTS9TL

— Everything Cristiano (@EverythingCR7_) November 25, 2021


Messi vs Ronaldo

Messi and Ronaldo will forever be linked as the two greatest players of our generation. Many perceived CR7 to have the superior athleticism of the two, whilst others claimed that Messi had the superior talent.

Ultimately for most, however, the Manchester United man was ever so slightly behind his rival. However, the pendulum has swung back in recent times in favour of the Portuguese sensation.


Ronaldo has conquered three of the toughest leagues on the planet; Messi has less experience out of his comfort zone. In the summer, the ‘Atomic Flee’ finally left La Liga for Ligue 1. Yet his performances have been of a sub-par standard in the early part of the campaign.

Fans will have to wait to see if the footballing icon can adapt his skills to a different style of play.

Have Messi and van der Vaart ever met on the pitch?

Perhaps the Dutchman is so frustrated with Messi because he knows first-hand just how amazing he can be.

The pair may have played in separate leagues for most of their careers, but there was a short crossover in which the two men exchanged their skills. Between 2008-2010, Van der Vaart played his football at the Bernabéu. Messi was, of course, at Barca.

They also went head-to-head in a 2006 World Cup Group game, which ended 0-0. At the championships, Messi, who showed glimmers of his future best, broke the record for the youngest ever player to represent his country at the tournament.

Although his start to the season has been underwhelming, football fans around the globe hope for better things to come. The 34-year-old has a remarkable talent level, and it’s only a matter of time until he shows it.

Checkout The Naira Equivalent Of The Fine Given To The Girl Who Invaded The Pitch In The WCQ.

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. Football is also one of the most competitive sports in the world, with a large number of fans and followers. Football teams, coaches, and players have lots of fans.


It is impossible for a football player to avoid meeting his fans on the streets, malls, and even on the football pitch. Several times, a lot of football fans have invaded the football pitch just to take selfies with their best players.


This act is considered an offense, but most players don't really have a problem with it. One of those players is Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo loves his fans as much as they love him. Cristiano Ronaldo has the highest number of football fans in the world.


It is very common to see Ronaldo fans always invading the pitch to take selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo volunteers most of the time. On Thursday, another fan invaded the pitch to take a photo with the Portuguese star.



The pitch invader was eleven-year-old Addison. As soon as the full-time whistle was blown, Addison quickly ran onto the field to take a photo with Ronaldo.


Addison was stopped by stewards, but Ronaldo came to her to take a photo. After the photo, she also asked Ronaldo for his jersey, which he willingly gave her. Although Addison didn't go unpunished, she was fined a fee of £2,500.

The fine given to Addison when converted to Naira is about 1.4 million Naira.

Can Ronaldo Overtake Christine Sinclair In The All Time Overall International Topscoring Chart?

Since making his professional debut in 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo has developed into one of the best players in world football. From a skinny young boy in Sporting Lisbon to a legendary player at Manchester United, the 36 year old has come a long way in his career. As one of the most prolific player, the Portugese International has bagged 798 official goals in his entire career and sits comfortably on top spot in the all time scoring chart.

However, on September 1st 2021, Ronaldo registered a brace against the Republic of Ireland in an important 2-1 win for his national team and in doing so, he moved passed Ali Daei's total of 109 International goals to become the men's all time International topscorer with 111 goals, breaking a record that had stood since 2006. Since then, he has been extending his lead and currently has 115 strikes in the men's International scoring chart. But despite Ronaldo's incredible number, he still has a long way to go to catch up with the leader Christine Sinclair in the overall International goal chart.

Who Is Christine Sinclair?

Sinclair is a Canadian female player who has bagged 188 International goals and counting. At age 38, she's the captain of her national football team and has played in North America her whole career winning championships at three different teams. Statistically, Ronaldo is currently 73 goals adrift of her in top spot and seeing that Sinclair is still an active player for Canada, that number is likely to increase going forward. But considering Ronaldo's age, is there a chance that he could beat Sinclair's record before he calls time on his career?.


It goes without saying that although the Manchester United talisman is no doubt a prolific goalscorer, overtaking Sinclair might be a bridge too far even for a player his quality.

Do you think Ronaldo can catch up with Christine Sinclair in the overall all time International topscorer?

An eleven-year-old fan invaded the pitch in a desperate attempt to meet Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal vs Ireland, FIFA World Cup qualifying match.


An 11-year- old fan made headlines on Friday after Portugal vs Ireland, World Cup Qualifiers match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The 11-year-old fan identified as Addison Whelan plays for Shelbourne’s U13s and couldn’t hold herself back as the full-time whistle went off. She ran into the itch and greeted the legendary footballer with a hug. The match ended in a draw, as Portugal reached the top of the Group A standings of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. After the conclusion of the match, Ronaldo gifted the young fan his match shirt to make her day better.

While speaking to RTE Radio 1 after the match, Whelan revealed details about what Manchester United star said while gifting his shirt to her. Explaining her daring act to evade the stewards and reach to the footballer, Addison said, “I jumped over the barrier because I was in the second row. I jumped over the first row and over the barrier. Then I sprinted onto the pitch, but there was security guards running behind me and there was another two coming from the other corner so I just kept sprinting. When I seen the other two coming from the other corner I ran more towards the halfway line so then I could swerve around them, but then they caught me."

Addison Whelan was in shock as Ronaldo gave her his shirt. As she screamed Ronaldo’s name, the footballer turned and asked the stewards to let go of her. Ronaldo came near to her on being called and explaining further, the young fan said, “He came over to me. I was just in shock and crying and I was like 'can I have your jersey? Please, please. I'm a big, huge fan', He was saying are you okay? When my dad saw him taking off the shirt, my dad's face was just in shock I was like 'oh my God, this is it, this is my dream, it's finally coming true.' That was probably his last time playing in Ireland”. As revealed by Addison, Ronaldo then said to her that he appreciated that and took off his t-shirt and gifted it to the fan.

The international break is here once more with countries competing for the 2022 world cup qualifiers. The world cup qualifiers between Ireland and Portugal had finally come to an end, with the game ending in a 0-0 goalless draw in Ireland.


The both teams played to their best performances, but there was no goal recorded as the game ended in a goalless draw. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward and the Manchester United forward did all he could to lead his team to a victory, but was unsuccessful. However, as the match ended in a 0-0 goalless draw, a young invader who happens to be a fan of the Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo invaded the pitch after the match.


The young invader invaded the pitch just to give Cristiano Ronaldo a hug. On seeing the young invader, Cristiano Ronaldo stopped and gave her a hug after which he gave her his shirt as a gift.


This is a nice gesture from Cristiano Ronaldo.

La Liga, since first Galactico project has enjoyed their top popularity because Barcelona signed Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo and Messi's rivalry. The league heavily dependent on player's popularity, and if the league fails to attract global talent, the league's popularity will go down. And this is what is happening to La Liga. La Liga is still quality as usual in terms of pitch performance. Teams like Valladolid, Villarreal, Getafe and Granada employ technical football, also, Spanish teams tend to do well in European competitions.


The league's parity is towards Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two Classicos generate hundreds of million viewers annually. Also, the media exposure of Ronaldo and Messi, and their star-studded teammates give excitement to football citizens around the world at the cost of the rest of the league. Barcelona and Real Madrid unrivalled domination remains unchallenged even by Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid's players are good, but they play unattractive football, they lack Galactico thing glued in Real and Barcelona. Their fanbase is not as popular as the aforementioned teams.


The lost of Cristiano Ronaldo from the league means lesser exposure from him. Ronaldo is way more marketable than Messi, his English fluency helps, and that is one thing often overlooked by many people. His English literally helps him to connect with the fans through social media. Also, his extroverted nature draws massive attention to La Liga. Leonel Messi is also marketable, but Messi is an introverted person, he is shy, and always move away from the media attention. His English is less good than Ronaldo. But his talent draws more attention to La Liga.


The global pandemic also joined the party, it exposed the financial problem of Barcelona and Real Madrid, both lost match day revenue, and FC Barcelona has more than €1.4 billion to pay their creditors as the result of their irresponsible transfers, no wonder Barcelona and Real Madrid are the loyal supporter of European Super League, because their financial mayhem might be worse than what depicted by the media.

In short, La Liga's popularity plummets due to Barcelona and Real Madrid decline as a team, even Atletico itself still not convincing enough to carry the league's misfortune.

Myer:
When you do a good research you work with facts not emotions.
Thanks for this.

Any article that celebrates CR7 is a goal.
Haters don't understand it's a privilege for them to even experience watching CR7 play.

The one true GOAT!

Most welcome success in all your life endeavour.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that comes with so much respect and reverence in the world of football due to the level of performance he has put on over the past decade. He's currently the all time highest goal scorer, and is considered as arguably the best player to have ever played the game.


The current Liverpool side have done well under Jurgen Klopp, and are currently one of the best clubs in the world at moment. In this article, we are going to see four (4) reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo is a bigger player compared to the whole players in the Liverpool squad at the moment.

1. Goals

In terms of goals, the 36-year old forward has recorded more goals in his career than that of Liverpool's current squad combined. Ronaldo has scored a total of 795 goals in 1085 appearances, while Klopp's men have recorded a total of 778 goals.


2. Champions League Trophies


The Manchester United star has won 5 UCL titles in his career, one with the red devils and four with Spanish giants, Real Madrid. The current Liverpool side on the other hand have only managed to win the title once (2019).

3. Premier League Titles


The Portuguese during his first spell with Man United won three (3) EPL titles (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09). While the contemporary Reds squad have claimed the title only once (2019/20).


4. Ballon d'Or Awards


Ronaldo has won a record five Ballon d'Ors since 2008, only Lionel Messi has more than him (6). He emerged favourite for the award in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. The current Liverpool side is yet produce any Ballon d'Or winner, but has potential ones in the persons of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The 2021 men's and women's Ballon d'Or winners will be crowned at a gala event in Paris on 29 November, 2021. The coveted individual prize in the game of football ceremony was canceled last year because of COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the race for the Ballon D'or is highly competitive. The likes of Benzema, Lewandwoski, Jorginho and Messi are in contention to win the award.

However, the current two outright favourite with the bookmakers to win the Ballon d’Or are Lewandwoski and Messi.

In this article, we will take a look at the top two favourite's stats in the year 2021.

LEWANDWOSKI STATS IN 2021


1. Winner of European Golden Boot

The Polish attacker finished at the top of the European Golden Shoe rankings for the 2020/21 season. He scored 41 goals in 29 games for Bayern last season, making his tally the highest in Europe since Cristiano Ronaldo scored 48 goals for Real Madrid during the 2014/15 campaign.

2. Trophies And Cups


Lewandwoski's goals have been very crucial to Bayern's journey to their last year's ninth straight Bundesliga title, DFL-Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.


3. Total Number of Goals In All Club Competitions This Year

Robert has 48 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this year.

4. Other Individual Awards

Robert Lewandwoski was Bundesliga's Player of the Year for 2020/2021 season. He also clinched the Bundesliga top scorer award with 41 goals.

The only obstacle that could deny this man the ballon d'or this year is his country's poor campaign during the Euro 2020.

MESSI STATS IN 2021

1. Trophies And Cups

The six times ballon d'or winner won the Copa Del Rey and his first senior international title for Argentina.


2. Copa America Golden Boot

Lionel Messi won the 2021 Copa America top goalscorer's golden boot award. Messi was the joint topscorer with Colombia's Luis Diaz, scoring four goals each.


3. Other Individual Award


Asides winning the 2021 Copa America in Brazil this year, Messi also ended up winning the best player of the tournament award.

The 'little magician" finished the 2020/2021 La Liga as the highest goalscorer with 30 goals.

In conclusion, this is another stellar year for the two players, wishing them the best.

France Football magazine - organizers of the Ballon d'Or award - has denied rumours emanating from Portuguese media claiming that Lionel Messi has won his 7th Ballon d'Or trophy.

“It's a huge bullshit, like what we've seen for ten days. A big bluff," director of France Football magazine Pascal Ferre was quoted by Actu Foot.

Messi is one of the top 5 contenders for the award, and is being tipped heavily to win it ahead of Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Jorginho and N'Golo Kante.

However, we all have to wait for the voting to be completed and the winner officially announced.