Ronaldo Runner Up

Cristiano Ronaldo has finished as the runner-up in the Ballon D'Or competition for the European player of the Year.

Having won it last year, and enjoyed a run to the Champions League Final as the key man in Manchester United's team, Ronaldo could have been forgiven for expecting the trophy to be on his mantelpiece for another year.

Sadly the sensational form of Lionel Messi, his nemesis in last years Final as well as in Saturday's game against Barcelona, has cost him.

Messi led Barca to the Champions League title last season, scored 23 goals in the process, and took the most votes from journalists around the world.

messi got 473 votes, whilst Ronaldo was some 240 votes behind on 233. Wayne Rooney finished 8th with 35 votes.