Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or Named Best Win in History
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Cristiano Ronaldo has received a new special honor from "France Football" magazine.
France Football is the organization behind the Ballon d'Or, football's top individual award, given each year to the world's best player.
The magazine held a vote to decide which Ballon d'Or win was the greatest in the history of the award.
Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or victory was chosen as the best one ever.
His rival Lionel Messi did not receive this new title, even though Messi has won the Ballon d'Or several times.
The result means Ronaldo has been named the award's greatest winner of all time, according to this vote.
Ronaldo and Messi have spent many years competing for the title of best player in the world.
Both players have broken many football records during their careers.
Fans around the world still argue about who is the better player.
This new recognition focuses on Ronaldo's past success rather than recent matches.
France Football often creates special polls and lists to celebrate football history.
The 2008 season was an important year for Ronaldo's career.
This honor adds another achievement to Ronaldo's long list of football awards.
The debate between Ronaldo and Messi fans is likely to continue after this announcement.
Vocabulary7 words
- France Football
- a magazine; it created the Ballon d'Or award
- Ballon d'Or
- a top prize; for the best football player of the year
- vote
- a way to choose; people pick their favorite option
- rival
- a person you compete against; often in the same field
- competing
- trying to win; against other people
- records
- best results ever; in a sport or activity
- recognition
- public praise; for someone's good work
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Quiz
Answer key
1. The best Ballon d'Or win in history 2. His 2008 win 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Cristiano Ronaldo has received a new special _____ from "France Football" magazine.
France Football is the organization behind the _____, football's top individual award.
The magazine held a _____ to decide which Ballon d'Or win was the greatest in history.
Ronaldo's _____ Ballon d'Or victory was chosen as the best one ever.
His _____ Lionel Messi did not receive this new title.
The result means Ronaldo has been named the award's greatest _____ of all time.
Ronaldo and Messi have spent many years _____ for the title of best player.
Both players have broken many football _____ during their careers.
This new _____ focuses on Ronaldo's past success.
The debate between Ronaldo and Messi fans is likely to _____ after this announcement.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think people still compare Ronaldo and Messi today?
- Do you agree that past achievements can still earn new awards? Why or why not?
- What makes a sports award meaningful to fans, in your opinion?
- Do you follow football awards like the Ballon d'Or? Why or why not?
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