Rainier Plahar
Amidst fears of the financial meltdown, with the American election barely a month away, the minds of many a football fan has been deflected from the yearly poll organised by FIFA. The one to determine the world's best player over the past year.
Fans have been too worried about their bank statements to notice the subtle yet steady campaign by the Spanish and English press in their bid to have one of their own named footballer of the year. The Italians wouldn't be left out though. They have belatedly realised that creating a media orgy over past two time footballer of the year, Ronaldinho's move to Milan can barely mask the fact that at present, Italy has no strong candidate, they have resorted to the role of kingmakers, taking the side of the Spanish.
The Spanish however are in a bit of a conundrum, they have four candidates to promote, three Spaniards and an Argentine. The Argentine Lionel Messi does not need much press propaganda, he sells himself well enough every week on the pitch. Label him the independent candidate.
However the Spanish dilemma is hardly resolved as there are three remaining candidates now, Xavi's from Catalunia hence naturally plays for Barca whereas the other two come from Catalunia's rival city Madrid. Even so, Madrid is split into two footballing factions, the Real Madrid half is pushing for poster boy goalkeeper Iker Casillas and rival Club Atletico Madrid is clamouring for hometown hero Fernando Torres aptly nicknamed "El Nino" even though he's currently playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Xavi was named MVP at last summer's European Championship, pulling the strings from midfield as Spain breathed a fresh air into football by their brilliant attacking play. He is the Rudolph Giuliani amongst the candidates for the FIFA player of the year. His role in the renaissance of Spain and its refreshing brand of attacking football after they imploded against France in the last World Cup, is similar to Giuliani's brilliant rallying of New York after September 11th.
Just like few doubted Giuliani's ability to be a competent president, very few would doubt Xavi's ability to be the best player in the world. Sadly, like Giuliani found out, efficiency and hardwork is sometimes not enough. Xavi does not sell shirts like Messi, his personal life is not media fodder like Ronaldo and he lacks the sweet schoolboy innocence of Kaka, so he most likely won't be FIFA's best player come December.
No goalkeeper has managed this feat. Buffon after all his World Cup heroics couldnt even manage Bronze at the FIFA player of the year gala, surely then Casillas wouldn't be the choice to win this award either.
Hillary Clinton learnt her ABC of politics from her ex-prez hubby Bill. She obviously did listen hard to his reply anytime she asked the eternal question "how was your day". Messi looks nothing like Mrs. Clinton, but like her he learnt a lot from his Barca union with Ronaldinho, When the Gaucho was a footballing god, before the Gaucho's fall from grace attributed to his unholy nightlife. Messi's apprenticeship to Ronaldinho during the teething seasons of his professional career has gone a long way in shaping him into the explosive, confident forward he is today.
After Bill's tenure ended Hillary became Senator, After Ronnie became a source of jokes Messi finished second to Kaka in last year's vote to determine the world's best. While Hillary couldn't emulate Bill however as President ( at least not yet), do not bet against Messi bettering Ronnie's two year successive FIFA World Player of the Year record.
It would take something freakishly extraordinary for "el nino" to be crowned world's best. His position on the pitch surprisingly counts against him. The only out and out striker to be crowned world best is Marco Van Basten. And he was freakishly extraordinary during his time.
George Weah and Ronaldo (the original brazilian) both won this award, but it can be argued that Weah and Ronaldo aren't out and out strikers. They usually come in from deep to wreak havoc on opposition defences. Torres is the Ralph Nader here. Nader could be more competent than Bush but he's never going to the White House on a Green Party ticket. Torres is a better bet for Ballon D'or. (some even consider this one more prestigious than the FIFA award).
Cristiano Ronaldo should consider a political career after football. He is named after a former American president in Ronald Reagan, but he has the libido of Bill Clinton and is hated as much as Bush, but like the current US president Ronaldo doesn't care.
From his accomplishments last season no one stands between him and the world player of the year throne but himself. His indecent flirting with Real Madrid last summer has led to a somewhat toning down of support for him from the English media, support that was so overwhelming before June. Stories of orgies and trysts with hookers just like his recent performances have done little to regain lost support. But like a politician, Ronaldo thrives on controversy and media spotlight.
Bush listened to himself, stormed into Iraq ignoring all advice, doggedly insisting Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and somehow still managed to win the next elections. Ronaldo may have even done better, he was alleged to be the catalyst in Rooney's sending off at the last World Cup, scored the winning penalty against England, whined about wanting to leave manchester, was booed upon his return to Old Trafford and still somehow managed to win over United fans all over again becoming their number one darling at least before June.
The title of president has done little to curb the huge number of dumb jokes that George Bush has become the butt of. Similarly, the title of FIFA player of the year for Ronaldo would do little to convince his non-fans that he truly is the best footballer currently on the face of this planet.
The Italians look on wistfully.
