There is no question that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best goal-scorer in the game right now, and his taking home of the Pichichi Trophy proves it. The Portuguese star has won the award three prior times for Real Madrid. Even with his leading the league in goals, Real Madrid still wasn't able to overcome Barcelona and his adversary Messi for the La Liga title. Madrid finished this season without a title in La Liga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.
Not only did Ronaldo have a great year scoring goals, but he has also had an amazing run with the club so far in general. Bleacher Report explains the significance of Ronaldo's time in Madrid:
"Against Getafe, Ronaldo reached the figure of 300 competitive appearances for Real Madrid. The Portuguese has found the net 314 times in this number of games, to boast a scoring rate that is unparalleled in the club's history."
After not gaining a title this year, Real Madrid may be in for some changes. As great of a year it was personally for Ronaldo, there are skeptics who believe his age and health may be a factor once the next season begins. As Grantland puts it, it might be time for Ronaldo to change up his game to help his club more:
"But he's also already 30, and betting on players to get healthier, faster, and stronger after they cross that barrier makes for long odds in any sport. Now, this doesn't mean the end of Ronaldo, but it might mean the end of Ronaldo as hybrid, and the beginning of the next stage of his career, when he becomes a dominant goal poacher."
The competitiveness and hunger that Ronaldo should be feeling in this offseason ought to be enough to push this world-class athlete back into championship form, no matter his age or position.
Do you think Real Madrid will win a title next season? What do you think Ronaldo will do to upstage his last Pichichi Trophy win? Tell us your thoughts below.
