France global Griezmann suffered at the hands of Bale and Ronaldo as his Atletico side were beaten in the Champions League final, missing a penalty in normal time, but was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France reached the final.
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He scored only three times at Euro 2016, Griezmann finishing the competition as top-scorer with six goals, and was injured 25 minutes into the final against France.
He’ll be the favorite to claim FIFA’s Ballon d’Or and should certainly be in the running for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe a year from now if he continues to play at his current level.
Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to praise his team-mates at club and global level for their part in him being named Best Player in Europe by UEFA on Thursday, and tipped Antoine Griezmann as a future victor.
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the game against FC Barcelona in Camp Nou April 2, 2016.
The original 11-man shortlist included Messi, Gianluigi Buffon, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Pepe and Luis Suarez as well as the top three nominees.
Zidane was key. He’s a great professional, a great person and, in my opinion, his biggest quality is his ability to give his players a sense of calm.
“I will be not fair if I’m not going to mention these two incredible players”.
Bale was in fine form throughout the 2015/16 season in which he scored 19 goals in 31 appearances and also played a hand in Real Madrid’s Champions League success, defeating local rivals Atletico Madrid in Milan.
“I think Cristiano’s award is recognition for one of his most impressive seasons, he’s won everything”.
Now Ronaldo – who apologised to Bale and Greizmann for ending their Euro dreams with his national side as he collected the award – is targeting further glory with a second successive Champions League crown in Cardiff. “To win something with Portugal was the highlight of my career”.
Asked if last season was his most successful, Ronaldo said: “In terms of collective, probably yes”.
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Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won the women’s award, ahead of France’s Amandine Henry and Dzsenifer Marozsan of Germany, after helping Lyon lift the Women’s Champions League trophy in addition to the French league and cup double.
