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Football has seen countless debates over individual awards, but one of the lesser-discussed yet controversial decisions was the 2005 Golden Boy award. The prestigious award, given to the best U-21 player in Europe, was handed to Lionel Messi despite Cristiano Ronaldo having significantly better stats that year. This brings us to a very important question: was Ronaldo unjustly ignored? Let’s examine the facts and circumstances behind this choice.
Understanding the Golden Boy Award
The Golden Boy award was established in 2003 by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport to recognize the most promising young talent in European football. It is voted on by journalists from top European sports publications, including L’ Equipe, Bild, The Times, and Marca. The award considers not just raw statistics but also a player’s impact on their team, overall ability, and potential.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2005 Season: A Strong Case
At just 20 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo was already one of Manchester United’s key players. During the 2004-05 season, he delivered an impressive performance:
- 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions
- A crucial role in Manchester United’s attack
- Displayed incredible dribbling skills, pace, and goal-scoring ability
- Had already made a name for himself in international football, playing for Portugal in Euro 2004 and leading them to the final
Despite Manchester United finishing third in the Premier League and failing to win major silverware, Ronaldo’s individual performances were outstanding. He was evolving into one of the most electrifying young talents in the game.
Lionel Messi’s 2005 Season: A Rising Star
Lionel Messi, just 18 at the time, was beginning to break into Barcelona’s first team under Frank Rijkaard. While undoubtedly talented, his contributions in the 2004-05 season were relatively modest:
- 3 goals and 4 assists in all competitions
- Played only 25 games
- Was still a rotation player rather than a mainstay in the squad
- Barcelona won La Liga, but Messi’s role was minor compared to established stars like Ronaldinho
While Messi’s raw talent was evident, his statistical output and impact were nowhere near Ronaldo’s level. His Golden Boy win was more about recognizing his potential rather than rewarding actual performance.
Why Did Messi Win Over Ronaldo?
Several factors might explain why Messi was chosen over Ronaldo despite the clear difference in their 2005 performances:
1. Media Influence and Favoritism
Messi had strong media backing, particularly from Spanish publications like Marca and Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona’s rising dominance and the narrative of Messi being the next big thing may have influenced journalists’ votes.
2. Playing Style and Perception
While Ronaldo was seen as a flashy and sometimes arrogant player, Messi’s style was more humble and elegant. Many purists admired Messi’s dribbling, vision, and technical finesse, possibly giving him an edge in subjective voting.
3. Barcelona’s Success vs. United’s Struggles
Barcelona won La Liga in 2005, whereas Manchester United finished third in the Premier League. Even though Messi played a minor role, voters may have been influenced by the club’s success rather than just individual contributions.
4. Projection of Future Greatness
The Golden Boy award has often been about potential rather than just the past year’s performances. Messi was already being compared to legends, while Ronaldo was still evolving into his final form. Voters may have leaned towards Messi as an early investment in his greatness.
Was This an Early Sign of Favoritism?
Many fans believe Messi has enjoyed preferential treatment throughout his career when it comes to awards and recognition. The 2005 Golden Boy decision could be seen as an early example of this bias. If the award had been purely based on numbers and impact, Ronaldo should have won without question.
While Messi eventually justified his hype by becoming one of the greatest players of all time, in 2005, he had not yet outperformed Ronaldo. This decision raises concerns about whether football awards are always fair or if they are influenced by media narratives and personal biases.
The Aftermath: Who Proved to Be the True “Golden Boy”?
Fast forward nearly two decades, and both Messi and Ronaldo have established themselves as all-time greats. However, looking back at 2005:
- Ronaldo’s Evolution: He used moments like this as motivation, refining his game to become a goal-scoring machine and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
- Messi’s Growth: He lived up to the promise, becoming Barcelona’s talisman and eventually winning a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
- The Rivalry: This was just the beginning of the legendary Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, which would dominate football for over 15 years.
