<p>Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.</p>

<p>Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort.</p>

<p>Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession.</p>

<p>Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game.</p>

<p>Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16.</p>

<p>After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007</p>

<p>In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million.</p>

<p>After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament.</p>

<p>In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants.</p>

<p>Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating.</p>

<p>In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood.</p>

<p>Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!"</p>

<p>The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet.</p>

<p>His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away.</p>

<p>It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.</p>


Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.

Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final. Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018. In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash. Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb. The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score. With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort. Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession. Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game. Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year. In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16. After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007 In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million. After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament. In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants. Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating. In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood. Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!" The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet. His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away. It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.

From football World Cup to Ballon d'Or, year 2018 belongs to Luka Modric

<p>Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters.</p>

<p>Croatian captain Modric, who broke Messi and Ronaldo's decade-long stranglehold on the prestigious prize last month, said in a newspaper interview on Saturday the pair's absence from the gala in Paris on Dec. 3 did not make sense.</p>

<p>"I cannot speak about why someone didn't turn up at an award ceremony, it's their choice. It doesn't make sense, does it? It seems these votes and awards are only significant when they win," the Real Madrid midfielder told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.</p>

<p>"It's unfair to fellow players and voters who have nominated them in the past 10 years, as well as to football and the fans. However, people will act the way they think they should."</p>

<p>Juventus forward Ronaldo came second in the 2018 Ballon d'Or vote behind his old Real team mate Modric, while Messi was fifth, a ranking met with some consternation at both the Argentine's club Barcelona and in the Catalan media.</p>

<p>Modric, who lifted a third successive Champions League title with Real last season and led Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final, said Ronaldo and Messi were still the best two players around but added that it did not mean they should always be named best player each season.</p>

<p>"In my opinion, things are very simple: Ronaldo and Messi are phenomenons who have been dominant in the past 10 years or so. They've been in a league of their own," Modric said.</p>

<p>"But we are talking about a season's accomplishments here and I guess it means something that votes by national team coaches, managers, football legends, journalists and fellow players have produced the same results."</p>

<p>The Croatian also offered the sarcastic suggestion: "If the debate is going to be about how good a particular player is, the only course of action is to award all trophies to Messi and Ronaldo until they retire and scrap the voting."</p>


Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters.

Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters. Croatian captain Modric, who broke Messi and Ronaldo's decade-long stranglehold on the prestigious prize last month, said in a newspaper interview on Saturday the pair's absence from the gala in Paris on Dec. 3 did not make sense. "I cannot speak about why someone didn't turn up at an award ceremony, it's their choice. It doesn't make sense, does it? It seems these votes and awards are only significant when they win," the Real Madrid midfielder told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. "It's unfair to fellow players and voters who have nominated them in the past 10 years, as well as to football and the fans. However, people will act the way they think they should." Juventus forward Ronaldo came second in the 2018 Ballon d'Or vote behind his old Real team mate Modric, while Messi was fifth, a ranking met with some consternation at both the Argentine's club Barcelona and in the Catalan media. Modric, who lifted a third successive Champions League title with Real last season and led Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final, said Ronaldo and Messi were still the best two players around but added that it did not mean they should always be named best player each season. "In my opinion, things are very simple: Ronaldo and Messi are phenomenons who have been dominant in the past 10 years or so. They've been in a league of their own," Modric said. "But we are talking about a season's accomplishments here and I guess it means something that votes by national team coaches, managers, football legends, journalists and fellow players have produced the same results." The Croatian also offered the sarcastic suggestion: "If the debate is going to be about how good a particular player is, the only course of action is to award all trophies to Messi and Ronaldo until they retire and scrap the voting."

Luka Modric criticises Ballon d'Or gala snub by Messi, Ronaldo 63rd Ballon d'Or

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=cristiano+ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has urged long-time rival <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=lionel+messi">Lionel Messi</a> to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain.</p>

<p>"I'd like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he's happy there then I respect that," Ronaldo told the Italian press on Monday.</p>

<p>The two strikers have been rivals for the past decade winning five Ballon d'Or trophies each before their domination was broken by World Cup runner-up Luka Modric last week.</p>

<p>Asked if he missed the 31-year-old Argentinian, who has spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, Ronaldo replied: "No, maybe it's him who misses me ...</p>

<p>"I've played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he's still in Spain.</p>

<p>"Maybe he needs me more... For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy.</p>

<p>"He's a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don't miss anything here. This is my new life and I'm happy.</p>

<p>"I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I've proven I'm still an incredible player," said Ronaldo.</p>

<p>Ronaldo joined Juventus for $114 million&nbsp;last summer as the Turin giants bid to lift the Champions League trophy after two runners-up finish in the past four seasons.</p>

<p>To mark his 150 days in Italy he gave interviews on Monday to three leading sports dailies: La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport.</p>

<p>"I had different options. I won't say which but I had them. Juventus is a solid club. It has a long history," he said of his decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I knew the atmosphere in the stadium. I'd played several times in Italy. I like the city, the people and the club.&nbsp;I knew it could work.</p>

<p>"I couldn't be 100 per cent sure I was joining the best club in the world. After nine years at Real Madrid it was difficult to compare.</p>

<p>"Now I'm 100 per cent sure it was the right option."</p>

<p><strong>'Not an obsession'</strong></p>

<p>Ronaldo has scored 11 goals this season, bringing his career total to 584.</p>

<p>Finishing second in Ballon d'Or voting to Modric, said Ronaldo, just motivates him even more.</p>

<p>"Of course I'm disappointed, but life goes on and I will continue to work hard," said the 33-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the pitch I've done everything to win the Ballon d'Or, numbers do not lie, but I'm no less happy if I do not win, I have wonderful friends and a family, I play in one of the best clubs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congratulations to Modric, who has earned the award, but next year we will meet again and I will do everything to win the prize again.</p>

<p>"Do you think I'm going home and crying?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Juventus play Young Boys in their final Champions League group game in Switzerland on Wednesday, having already booked their place in the knockout rounds.</p>

<p>And Ronaldo is hoping his experience of winning the trophy five times can serve his new team.</p>

<p>"The Champions League cannot be an obsession, you have to think about it calmly," he warned.</p>

<p>"Yes we all want it but we have to get there step by step.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Look at the game against Manchester United (2-1 defeat), if it had been a quarter-final we would have gone out. You need a little luck."</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo has urged long-time rival Lionel Messi to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain. "I'd like him to come to Italy one day.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged long-time rival Lionel Messi to be more like him and push his limits by challenging himself in another league than Spain. "I'd like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he's happy there then I respect that," Ronaldo told the Italian press on Monday. The two strikers have been rivals for the past decade winning five Ballon d'Or trophies each before their domination was broken by World Cup runner-up Luka Modric last week. Asked if he missed the 31-year-old Argentinian, who has spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, Ronaldo replied: "No, maybe it's him who misses me ... "I've played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he's still in Spain. "Maybe he needs me more... For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy. "He's a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don't miss anything here. This is my new life and I'm happy. "I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I've proven I'm still an incredible player," said Ronaldo. Ronaldo joined Juventus for $114 million last summer as the Turin giants bid to lift the Champions League trophy after two runners-up finish in the past four seasons. To mark his 150 days in Italy he gave interviews on Monday to three leading sports dailies: La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport. "I had different options. I won't say which but I had them. Juventus is a solid club. It has a long history," he said of his decision. "I knew the atmosphere in the stadium. I'd played several times in Italy. I like the city, the people and the club. I knew it could work. "I couldn't be 100 per cent sure I was joining the best club in the world. After nine years at Real Madrid it was difficult to compare. "Now I'm 100 per cent sure it was the right option." 'Not an obsession' Ronaldo has scored 11 goals this season, bringing his career total to 584. Finishing second in Ballon d'Or voting to Modric, said Ronaldo, just motivates him even more. "Of course I'm disappointed, but life goes on and I will continue to work hard," said the 33-year-old. "On the pitch I've done everything to win the Ballon d'Or, numbers do not lie, but I'm no less happy if I do not win, I have wonderful friends and a family, I play in one of the best clubs. "Congratulations to Modric, who has earned the award, but next year we will meet again and I will do everything to win the prize again. "Do you think I'm going home and crying?" Juventus play Young Boys in their final Champions League group game in Switzerland on Wednesday, having already booked their place in the knockout rounds. And Ronaldo is hoping his experience of winning the trophy five times can serve his new team. "The Champions League cannot be an obsession, you have to think about it calmly," he warned. "Yes we all want it but we have to get there step by step. "Look at the game against Manchester United (2-1 defeat), if it had been a quarter-final we would have gone out. You need a little luck."

'Try something new, come to Italy,' Cristiano Ronaldo urges Lionel Messi

<p>Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or.&nbsp;The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members. &nbsp;</p>

<p>CR7's sister, Elma, reacted angrily to her brother’s Ballon d’Or snub and blamed the “the mafia and money” for the Juventus star being overlooked.</p>

<p>“Unfortunately this is the world we live in, rotten, with mafia and&nbsp;money. The power of God is a lot greater than all this rottenness. God takes his time but he doesn’t fail,” she wrote with an image of Ronaldo holding one of the five Ballon d’Or awards he has won in his illustrous career.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8L0lqnS-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Infelizmente isto é o Mundo k se vive 👎da podridão , máfia e do filha da puta do dinheiro 👎mas eu é mt gente irá ver muita coisa , justiça , e o poder de Deus é mt maior que essa podridão toda 🤟Deus tarda mas não falha 🙏</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elma_oficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Elma Aveiro</a> (@elma_oficial) on <time datetime="2018-12-03T21:32:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 3, 2018 at 1:32pm PST</time></p>
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<p>The younger sister, pop singer Katia Aveiro, also wrote something in favour of his brother “Best player in the world….for those who understand football of course.”</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8NYTYgVAi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Melhor jogador do mundo ..... para quem entende de futebol ,claro ...#tou preocupadacomofututodofutebol #melhordomundocr7 #cr7 #boladeouroédele #museucr7 #futeboléele #deusnocomando🙏</a></p>

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<p>Ronaldo had been hoping to land a sixth Golden Ball of his stunning career at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday.</p>

<p>Ronaldo and arch-rival Lionel Messi have won the award five times each over the past 10 years. While the Juventus forward finished runner-up on Tuesday, Messi was not even in the top three.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi's Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde expressed surprise at the decision and called it abusurd.</p>


Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members.

Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members. CR7's sister, Elma, reacted angrily to her brother’s Ballon d’Or snub and blamed the “the mafia and money” for the Juventus star being overlooked. “Unfortunately this is the world we live in, rotten, with mafia and money. The power of God is a lot greater than all this rottenness. God takes his time but he doesn’t fail,” she wrote with an image of Ronaldo holding one of the five Ballon d’Or awards he has won in his illustrous career. View this post on Instagram Infelizmente isto é o Mundo k se vive 👎da podridão , máfia e do filha da puta do dinheiro 👎mas eu é mt gente irá ver muita coisa , justiça , e o poder de Deus é mt maior que essa podridão toda 🤟Deus tarda mas não falha 🙏 A post shared by Elma Aveiro (@elma_oficial) on Dec 3, 2018 at 1:32pm PST × The younger sister, pop singer Katia Aveiro, also wrote something in favour of his brother “Best player in the world….for those who understand football of course.” View this post on Instagram Melhor jogador do mundo ..... para quem entende de futebol ,claro ...#tou preocupadacomofututodofutebol #melhordomundocr7 #cr7 #boladeouroédele #museucr7 #futeboléele #deusnocomando🙏 A post shared by Katia Aveiro (@katiaaveirooficial) on Dec 3, 2018 at 1:46pm PST × Ronaldo had been hoping to land a sixth Golden Ball of his stunning career at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday. Ronaldo and arch-rival Lionel Messi have won the award five times each over the past 10 years. While the Juventus forward finished runner-up on Tuesday, Messi was not even in the top three. Messi's Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde expressed surprise at the decision and called it abusurd.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister blames ‘mafia & money’ for his Ballon d’Or snub

<p>Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric took the prize on Monday in Paris after winning the Champions League and being named player of the tournament at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old's triumph ended Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's decade-long reign, with Juventus's Portugal striker finishing second and Messi fifth in a vote by 180 journalists.</p>

<p>"I will not get into discussing the inconsistencies of the prize," Valverde told reporters.</p>

<p>"We congratulate Modric for winning the Ballon d'Or but Messi being in fifth place is absurd."</p>

<p>Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Barca to a La Liga-Copa del Rey double last season but Argentina went out of the World Cup in the last 16 to eventual champions France.</p>

<p>The Barca No. 10 also won a record fifth European Golden Shoe after finishing with 34 top-flight goals last season.</p>

<p>Modric got 753 points followed by Ronaldo on 476, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann with 414 and Paris St-Germain's Kylian Mbappe was fourth with 347, ahead of Messi on 280.</p>

<p>Barcelona host Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 32 tie, in which they hold a 1-0 advantage, although Messi is not expected to feature.</p>


Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in this year's Ballon d'Or vote was absurd, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said of the Spanish champions' Argentina forward on Tuesday. Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric took the prize on Monday in Paris after winning the Champions League and being named player of the tournament at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 33-year-old's triumph ended Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's decade-long reign, with Juventus's Portugal striker finishing second and Messi fifth in a vote by 180 journalists. "I will not get into discussing the inconsistencies of the prize," Valverde told reporters. "We congratulate Modric for winning the Ballon d'Or but Messi being in fifth place is absurd." Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Barca to a La Liga-Copa del Rey double last season but Argentina went out of the World Cup in the last 16 to eventual champions France. The Barca No. 10 also won a record fifth European Golden Shoe after finishing with 34 top-flight goals last season. Modric got 753 points followed by Ronaldo on 476, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann with 414 and Paris St-Germain's Kylian Mbappe was fourth with 347, ahead of Messi on 280. Barcelona host Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 32 tie, in which they hold a 1-0 advantage, although Messi is not expected to feature.

Lionel Messi's fifth place in Ballon d'Or absurd: Barcelona coach

Luka Modric: Once a Croatian war child, now king of world football

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/expect-china-to-roll-back-retaliatory-farm-tariffs-quickly-white-house-181294">We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House</a></p>

<p>The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday.</p>

<p>Beijing retaliated with steep duties on US crops in the trade war which has seen President Donald Trump hit $250 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs of 10-25 percent.</p>

<p>As a result, soybean exports to China have plunged, harming US farmers.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/luka-modric-wins-2018-ballon-dor-breaks-messi-ronaldo-dominance-181279">Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance</a></p>

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third.</p>

<p>Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300">Japanese prosecutors to arrest Ghosn on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300">fresh</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300"> claim, prolonging detention: Report</a></p>

<p>Tokyo prosecutors plan to arrest Carlos Ghosn on a fresh claim of understating his income, the Sankei newspaper reported on Tuesday, in a move that could keep the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co in detention until the end of the year.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/washington-pays-respects-to-bush-as-he-lies-in-state-at-capitol-181285">Washington pays its last respects to George HW Bush as he lies in state at Capitol</a></p>

<p>Washington's political elite paid tribute to former US President George HW Bush as his body lay in state in the Capitol on Monday, evoking a bygone era of bipartisan civility in American politics.</p>

<p>Before a visibly moved Bush family and with hands on hearts, members of Bush's Cabinet, lawmakers, the vice president and Supreme Court justices honoured the 41st president as his flag-draped casket entered the soaring Capitol Rotunda for the first official ceremony.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-farmers-more-cautious-than-hopeful-after-china-trade-deal-181303">US farmers more cautious than hopeful after China trade deal</a></p>

<p>President Donald Trump says American farmers will see immediate benefits from the trade detente with Beijing, but farm belt representatives are still cautious about declaring victory.</p>


We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday.

We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday. Beijing retaliated with steep duties on US crops in the trade war which has seen President Donald Trump hit $250 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs of 10-25 percent. As a result, soybean exports to China have plunged, harming US farmers. Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award. Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third. Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth. Japanese prosecutors to arrest Ghosn on fresh claim, prolonging detention: Report Tokyo prosecutors plan to arrest Carlos Ghosn on a fresh claim of understating his income, the Sankei newspaper reported on Tuesday, in a move that could keep the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co in detention until the end of the year. Washington pays its last respects to George HW Bush as he lies in state at Capitol Washington's political elite paid tribute to former US President George HW Bush as his body lay in state in the Capitol on Monday, evoking a bygone era of bipartisan civility in American politics. Before a visibly moved Bush family and with hands on hearts, members of Bush's Cabinet, lawmakers, the vice president and Supreme Court justices honoured the 41st president as his flag-draped casket entered the soaring Capitol Rotunda for the first official ceremony. US farmers more cautious than hopeful after China trade deal President Donald Trump says American farmers will see immediate benefits from the trade detente with Beijing, but farm belt representatives are still cautious about declaring victory.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Norwegian striker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ada-hegerberg-wins-ballon-dor-award-for-best-player-in-womens-football-181290">Ada Hegerberg</a> won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ballon d'Or is historical. I've been watching it since I was a little kid and to get it today, it's the biggest moment of my life obviously," she said after winning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the celebration&nbsp;of winning the prestigious award was marred after she was asked to perform a "twerk"&nbsp;live on stage at Monday's ceremony in Paris.</p>

<p>"I didn't feel it was like that at all to be honest and I am sad if people thought about the situation like that," said Hegerberg.</p>

<p>She dismissed the suggestion&nbsp;that the incident had marred her evening. She also played down the accompanying sexism row over the "twerk"&nbsp;request.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Martin Solveig just asked Ada Hegerberg if she knew how to twerk <a href="https://twitter.com/JM_Aulas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JM_Aulas</a> <a href="https://t.co/YG6eNtBsCY">pic.twitter.com/YG6eNtBsCY</a></p>
— s k e k 🐢 (@skekky_) <a href="https://twitter.com/skekky_/status/1069698627436720128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I think there are a lot of other subjects to discuss if we're talking about sexual matters."</p>

<p>She added: "He came to see me after and apologised. The Ballon d'Or is the most important thing."</p>

<p>The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize.</p>

<p>Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.</p>


Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. "Ballon d'Or is historical. I've been watching it since I was a little kid and to get it today, it's the biggest moment of my life obviously," she said after winning.

Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. "Ballon d'Or is historical. I've been watching it since I was a little kid and to get it today, it's the biggest moment of my life obviously," she said after winning. However, the celebration of winning the prestigious award was marred after she was asked to perform a "twerk" live on stage at Monday's ceremony in Paris. "I didn't feel it was like that at all to be honest and I am sad if people thought about the situation like that," said Hegerberg. She dismissed the suggestion that the incident had marred her evening. She also played down the accompanying sexism row over the "twerk" request. Watch the video: Martin Solveig just asked Ada Hegerberg if she knew how to twerk @JM_Aulas pic.twitter.com/YG6eNtBsCY — s k e k 🐢 (@skekky_) December 3, 2018 × "I think there are a lot of other subjects to discuss if we're talking about sexual matters." She added: "He came to see me after and apologised. The Ballon d'Or is the most important thing." The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize. Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.

Women's Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg asked to twerk on stage

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=luka+modric">Luka Modric</a> was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third.</p>

<p>Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth.</p>

<p>Olympique Lyonnais' Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or for women's football, having led her side to the Women's Champions League title, scoring in extra time in the 4-1 win over Vfl Wolfsburg in the final.</p>

<p>Modric, 33, helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League title in May and also captained Croatia to their first World Cup final, being named player of the tournament despite his side losing 4-2 to France.</p>

<p>"It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after a glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris.</p>

<p>"It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history."</p>

<p><strong>Difficult Start</strong></p>

<p>Modric, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported $45.40 million, was criticised in his debut season at the Bernabeu and named the worst signing of the year in a poll by newspaper Marca.</p>

<p>But the diminutive playmaker began to demonstrate the quality he had shown at Spurs when Jose Mourinho deployed him in a deep lying role in Real's midfield rather than the attacking role he had been given at the start of that campaign.</p>

<p>Modric said the positional change, which was first suggested to him by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, transformed his form.</p>

<p>“The change of position helped me a lot in my career. I used to play more offensively. When I dropped back, I was able to read the game better and show my creativity," added Modric.</p>

<p>He is the first Croatian to win the Ballon d'Or and also picked up FIFA's 'The Best' award in October.</p>

<p>The Ballon d'or, voted for by journalists and organised by French magazine France Football, has been dominated by Barcelona's Messi and Ronaldo, first when he was at Manchester United and subsequently with Real Madrid, since 2008.</p>

<p>The last player to lift the award apart from the Argentine and Portuguese, who have won it a joint-record five times each, was Kaka in 2007 when the Brazilian played for AC Milan.</p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.</p>


Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.

Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award. Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third. Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth. Olympique Lyonnais' Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or for women's football, having led her side to the Women's Champions League title, scoring in extra time in the 4-1 win over Vfl Wolfsburg in the final. Modric, 33, helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League title in May and also captained Croatia to their first World Cup final, being named player of the tournament despite his side losing 4-2 to France. "It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after a glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris. "It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history." Difficult Start Modric, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported $45.40 million, was criticised in his debut season at the Bernabeu and named the worst signing of the year in a poll by newspaper Marca. But the diminutive playmaker began to demonstrate the quality he had shown at Spurs when Jose Mourinho deployed him in a deep lying role in Real's midfield rather than the attacking role he had been given at the start of that campaign. Modric said the positional change, which was first suggested to him by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, transformed his form. “The change of position helped me a lot in my career. I used to play more offensively. When I dropped back, I was able to read the game better and show my creativity," added Modric. He is the first Croatian to win the Ballon d'Or and also picked up FIFA's 'The Best' award in October. The Ballon d'or, voted for by journalists and organised by French magazine France Football, has been dominated by Barcelona's Messi and Ronaldo, first when he was at Manchester United and subsequently with Real Madrid, since 2008. The last player to lift the award apart from the Argentine and Portuguese, who have won it a joint-record five times each, was Kaka in 2007 when the Brazilian played for AC Milan. The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.

Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance

<p>Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football.</p>

<p>The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize.</p>

<p>Hegerberg spoke of her pride in winning the award and said she hoped it would motivate young female players.</p>

<p>"Being historical and the first woman to win the Ballon d'Or is a huge moment in my life," she added.</p>

<p>"I think this is a fantastic day for women's football in general. It's historical, it's a big step forward fro women's football to have this award and that's why you need to take a moment, really cherish it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just hope that every youngster gets inspired by moments like this. They are the future."</p>

<p>Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.</p>


Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize.

Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize. Hegerberg spoke of her pride in winning the award and said she hoped it would motivate young female players. "Being historical and the first woman to win the Ballon d'Or is a huge moment in my life," she added. "I think this is a fantastic day for women's football in general. It's historical, it's a big step forward fro women's football to have this award and that's why you need to take a moment, really cherish it. "I just hope that every youngster gets inspired by moments like this. They are the future." Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.

Ada Hegerberg wins Ballon d'Or award for best player in women's football

<p>The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award.</p>

<p>Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who led his national team Croatia all the way to the World Cup final - bagging the best player of the tournament's Golden Ball award in the process - is a clear favourite for the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Real teammate and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe, as well as five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, all pose a threat to Modric as dark horses for the award.</p>

<p>The event will also be seeing the inaugural Ballon d'Or awarded to a female footballer this year with a number of talented stars of the women's game in contention.</p>

<p>Barcelona and Dutch striker Lieke Martens, winner of FIFA's 2017 award for the best female footballer, is one of the women in contention for the prize awarded by France Football magazine.</p>


The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award. Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who led his national team Croatia all the way to the World Cup final - bagging the best player of the tournament's Golden Ball award in the process - is a clear favourite for the prestigious award. Real teammate and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe, as well as five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, all pose a threat to Modric as dark horses for the award. The event will also be seeing the inaugural Ballon d'Or awarded to a female footballer this year with a number of talented stars of the women's game in contention. Barcelona and Dutch striker Lieke Martens, winner of FIFA's 2017 award for the best female footballer, is one of the women in contention for the prize awarded by France Football magazine.

Modric, Mbappe, Ronaldo - who will win the coveted Ballon d'Or?

<p>Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe told AFP on Thursday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain football's greatest players but that his own World Cup heroics could help crown him the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mbappe, 19, inspired France to World Cup victory in Russia with four goals. One of those came in the 4-2 final victory over Croatia as he became just the second teenager after Pele in 1958 to score in the championship match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also voted Young Player of the tournament and has since become Ligue 1's leading scorer with 11 goals as Paris Saint-Germain run away with the French title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi and Ronaldo have won the last 10 Ballon d'Or awards and Mbappe believes that they are still the sport's top A-listers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nobody is doing better at the moment and we can't say it's the end of their era because it will only end when somebody else does better than them," Mbappe told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the young striker added: "I don't think one of them will win the Ballon d'Or this year because it was a World Cup year, and the World Cup takes precedence." While Mbappe thrived at the World Cup, Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo's Portugal bowed out in the last 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But if you take the player in the purest form, there's nobody better yet. This year they were again the best two," added Mbappe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Messi finished the best goalscorer in Europe; Ronaldo was the top scorer in the Champions League." Mbappe was speaking to AFP on Thursday at an event organised by watchmakers Hublot, one of his leading sponsors. The last French player to win the coveted Ballon d'Or was Zinedine Zidane after the national team's 1998 World Cup victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Frankly, I hope so (win the Ballon d'Or). We achieved something big. It would not be unjust because that is a strong word, but it would be a shame if a Frenchman does not win it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We made history and it would be nice to be rewarded." Croatia's Luka Modric, voted Best Player of the World Cup, remains favourite for the Ballon d'Or.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Modric is 14 years Mbappe's senior so the young Frenchman has time on his side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will also have time and opportunity to complete his journey from the tough streets of the down-at-heel Paris suburb of Bondy to a life of super-riches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Play to win'</strong><br />
<br />
Mbappe, who will turn 20 just before Christmas, signed for PSG from Monaco for 180 million euros in 2017 in the second most expensive transfer of all time -- behind PSG teammate Neymar who cost the French champions 222 million euros.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Off the field, he seems destined to match Ronaldo in the commercial stakes. Will his initials "KM" match the brand power of Ronaldo's "CR7"?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know because CR7 is something big, he has managed to build his brand and become international," said Mbappe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mine is not at this stage yet, I'm changing little by little." That development into the public consciousness saw him dominate the front page of Time magazine in October with the American publisher breathlessly showcasing the teenage as "the future of football".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mbappe said that he will not be satisfied with winning just one World Cup. When asked what he wants to win next, he said: "All the World Cups that I can play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I play to win; if I play four World Cups then I want to win four. We go step by step. I have already won one. You have to prepare and win with your club and with the national team also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are short-term goals before thinking about the 2022 World Cup. But the aim always is to win."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being tipped to be the next true superstar once Messi and Ronaldo have retired, Mpabbe added: "I cannot control everything that is done and said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is not just the pitch but everything around it must also be managed. It's not easy but I'm learning, I'm still learning. I have people around me who help me overcome the challenges one after the other."</p>


Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe told AFP on Thursday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain football's greatest players but that his own World Cup heroics could help crown him the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.

Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe told AFP on Thursday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain football's greatest players but that his own World Cup heroics could help crown him the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner. Mbappe, 19, inspired France to World Cup victory in Russia with four goals. One of those came in the 4-2 final victory over Croatia as he became just the second teenager after Pele in 1958 to score in the championship match. He was also voted Young Player of the tournament and has since become Ligue 1's leading scorer with 11 goals as Paris Saint-Germain run away with the French title. Messi and Ronaldo have won the last 10 Ballon d'Or awards and Mbappe believes that they are still the sport's top A-listers. "Nobody is doing better at the moment and we can't say it's the end of their era because it will only end when somebody else does better than them," Mbappe told AFP. However, the young striker added: "I don't think one of them will win the Ballon d'Or this year because it was a World Cup year, and the World Cup takes precedence." While Mbappe thrived at the World Cup, Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo's Portugal bowed out in the last 16. "But if you take the player in the purest form, there's nobody better yet. This year they were again the best two," added Mbappe. "Messi finished the best goalscorer in Europe; Ronaldo was the top scorer in the Champions League." Mbappe was speaking to AFP on Thursday at an event organised by watchmakers Hublot, one of his leading sponsors. The last French player to win the coveted Ballon d'Or was Zinedine Zidane after the national team's 1998 World Cup victory. "Frankly, I hope so (win the Ballon d'Or). We achieved something big. It would not be unjust because that is a strong word, but it would be a shame if a Frenchman does not win it. "We made history and it would be nice to be rewarded." Croatia's Luka Modric, voted Best Player of the World Cup, remains favourite for the Ballon d'Or. However, Modric is 14 years Mbappe's senior so the young Frenchman has time on his side. He will also have time and opportunity to complete his journey from the tough streets of the down-at-heel Paris suburb of Bondy to a life of super-riches. 'Play to win' Mbappe, who will turn 20 just before Christmas, signed for PSG from Monaco for 180 million euros in 2017 in the second most expensive transfer of all time -- behind PSG teammate Neymar who cost the French champions 222 million euros. Off the field, he seems destined to match Ronaldo in the commercial stakes. Will his initials "KM" match the brand power of Ronaldo's "CR7"? "I don't know because CR7 is something big, he has managed to build his brand and become international," said Mbappe. "Mine is not at this stage yet, I'm changing little by little." That development into the public consciousness saw him dominate the front page of Time magazine in October with the American publisher breathlessly showcasing the teenage as "the future of football". Mbappe said that he will not be satisfied with winning just one World Cup. When asked what he wants to win next, he said: "All the World Cups that I can play. "I play to win; if I play four World Cups then I want to win four. We go step by step. I have already won one. You have to prepare and win with your club and with the national team also. "There are short-term goals before thinking about the 2022 World Cup. But the aim always is to win." On being tipped to be the next true superstar once Messi and Ronaldo have retired, Mpabbe added: "I cannot control everything that is done and said. "There is not just the pitch but everything around it must also be managed. It's not easy but I'm learning, I'm still learning. I have people around me who help me overcome the challenges one after the other."

Kylian Mbappe: Ronaldo, Messi still best but won't win Ballon d'Or

<p>Portuguese footballer Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;topped the ESPN World Fame 100 list for a third straight year, pipping American basketball player Lebron James and long-term Argentine rival Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>Real Madrid forward&nbsp;Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, was named the most popular athlete in the world on the basis of his social media following, endorsement deals and search score.</p>

<p>Three-time NBA champion Lebron James retained his second spot on the list, while Messi came third on the back of his ninth league title with Barcelona.</p>

<p>Brazil's Neymar, who became the world's most expensive footballer after his 222 million euros ($261.6 million) move from Barcelona to Paris St Germain last August, took the fourth spot.</p>

<p>Swiss Roger Federer, one of the most decorated players in tennis history, came fifth ahead of NBA star Kevin Durant and Spanish rival Rafa Nadal.</p>

<p>American tennis icon Serena Williams replaces former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey as the most famous female athlete, with twelve women making the 2018 list compared to eight last year.</p>


Three-time NBA champion Lebron James retained his second spot on the list, while Messi came third on the back of his ninth league title with Barcelona

Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo topped the ESPN World Fame 100 list for a third straight year, pipping American basketball player Lebron James and long-term Argentine rival Lionel Messi. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, was named the most popular athlete in the world on the basis of his social media following, endorsement deals and search score. Three-time NBA champion Lebron James retained his second spot on the list, while Messi came third on the back of his ninth league title with Barcelona. Brazil's Neymar, who became the world's most expensive footballer after his 222 million euros ($261.6 million) move from Barcelona to Paris St Germain last August, took the fourth spot. Swiss Roger Federer, one of the most decorated players in tennis history, came fifth ahead of NBA star Kevin Durant and Spanish rival Rafa Nadal. American tennis icon Serena Williams replaces former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey as the most famous female athlete, with twelve women making the 2018 list compared to eight last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo retains top spot in ESPN World Fame 100 list for third straight year

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo called it &quot;a dream come true again&quot; as he won his fourth Ballon d&#39;Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world.</p>

<p>It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 -- albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France.</p>

<p>As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old&#39;s main rival was Messi -- but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards.</p>

<p>Ronaldo is now one Ballon d&#39;Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.</p>

<p>Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement.</p>

<p>&quot;For me, it&#39;s a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d&#39;Or. The emotion is like the first one -- it&#39;s a dream come true again,&quot; Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L&#39;Equipe TV.</p>

<p>&quot;I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d&#39;Or, I&#39;m so pleased and so happy.</p>

<p>&quot;I have to thank all my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to enjoy this moment because it&#39;s not easy to win this.&quot;</p>

<p>Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo&#39;s Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale sixth.</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Sensational year&#39;</strong></p>

<p>Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion.</p>

<p>Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping 227 million euros ($240 million).</p>

<p>&quot;You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing&nbsp;fears nothing,&quot; Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d&#39;Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was only in 2013 that he added his second -- Messi had hogged it before then -- and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.</p>

<p>United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d&#39;Or &quot;incredible&quot;.</p>

<p>Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed &quot;a sensational year&quot;.</p>

<p>The first Ballon d&#39;Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.</p>

<p>The Ballon d&#39;Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in 3 seasons

Cristiano Ronaldo called it "a dream come true again" as he won his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world. It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 -- albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France. As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old's main rival was Messi -- but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards. Ronaldo is now one Ballon d'Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third. Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement. "For me, it's a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d'Or. The emotion is like the first one -- it's a dream come true again," Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L'Equipe TV. "I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d'Or, I'm so pleased and so happy. "I have to thank all my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy. "I want to enjoy this moment because it's not easy to win this." Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo's Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale sixth. 'Sensational year' Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion. Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping 227 million euros ($240 million). "You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing fears nothing," Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time. Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d'Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United. But it was only in 2013 that he added his second -- Messi had hogged it before then -- and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year. United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d'Or "incredible". Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed "a sensational year". The first Ballon d'Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956. The Ballon d'Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or for fourth time

<p>Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane backed Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s case for a fourth Ballon d&#39;Or on Friday despite the Portuguese superstar&#39;s current struggles in front of goal.</p>

<p>Ronaldo won both the Champions League with Real and Portugal&#39;s first ever major tournament at Euro 2016 to make him the favourite to land the award for the world&#39;s best player on January 9 next year.</p>

<p>&quot;He clearly deserves the Ballon d&#39;Or,&quot; said Zidane ahead of Saturday&#39;s trip to Alaves in La Liga.</p>

<p>&quot;Not just at an individual level, but above all on a collective level...he knows everything he is achieving is thanks to his hard work and the work of those around him.&quot;</p>

<p>Ronaldo is expected to face competition from five-time winner Lionel Messi, Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann for the award.</p>

<p>However, his form has slumped since his return from a two-month injury layoff after suffering knee ligament damage in the Euro 2016 final.</p>

<p>&quot;What Cristiano has done is raise the bar so high that every time he doesn&#39;t score it is a problem,&quot; added Zidane.</p>

<p>Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season, by a distance his worst return at this stage of the campaign in seven seasons with the European champions.</p>

<p>&quot;He is angry (about not scoring), but there is no bigger worry than that,&quot; continued Zidane.</p>

<p>&quot;Every time he doesn&#39;t score there is a furore, but he has to live with these things. He is a phenom.&quot;</p>

<p>Ronaldo is expected to be partnered by Bale and Karim Benzema once more in the Madrid front line despite the fine form of Alvaro Morata.</p>

<p>The Spanish international came off the bench to score the winner against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and bagged a double in a 7-1 rout of Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.</p>

<p>However, captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Casemiro remain out injured.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane backed Cristiano Ronaldo's case for a fourth Ballon d'Or on Friday despite the Portuguese superstar's current struggles in front of goal. Ronaldo won both the Champions League with Real and Portugal's first ever major tournament at Euro 2016 to make him the favourite to land the award for the world's best player on January 9 next year. "He clearly deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Zidane ahead of Saturday's trip to Alaves in La Liga. "Not just at an individual level, but above all on a collective level...he knows everything he is achieving is thanks to his hard work and the work of those around him." Ronaldo is expected to face competition from five-time winner Lionel Messi, Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann for the award. However, his form has slumped since his return from a two-month injury layoff after suffering knee ligament damage in the Euro 2016 final. "What Cristiano has done is raise the bar so high that every time he doesn't score it is a problem," added Zidane. Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season, by a distance his worst return at this stage of the campaign in seven seasons with the European champions. "He is angry (about not scoring), but there is no bigger worry than that," continued Zidane. "Every time he doesn't score there is a furore, but he has to live with these things. He is a phenom." Ronaldo is expected to be partnered by Bale and Karim Benzema once more in the Madrid front line despite the fine form of Alvaro Morata. The Spanish international came off the bench to score the winner against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and bagged a double in a 7-1 rout of Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. However, captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Casemiro remain out injured. (AFP)

'Phenom' Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or: Zidane

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