A recent headline in the sports paper Record read “Ronaldo is Portugal”; the article said he is “Portugal's greatest global icon”. Even Benfica fans, who previously abused him, now see him as national hero.

Ronaldo made his national team debut in august 2003 at just 18 and just a star at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. During 2006, he made a particular breakthrough. He was voted Portugal's best player abroad by managers of the Portuguese top division edging Luis Figo out of top spot for the first time in many years. 16 of the 17 coaches who voted picked Ronaldo. Ronaldo admits that recognition gives him extra responsibility in his homeland.

Nowhere is he more lauded than in his native Madeira where he receive the "Insignia Autonomica de Valor", the highest distinction a Madeiran can be given. Regional president Alberto Joao Jardim justified the homage to the “most famous Madeiran in the whole world” by paying tribute to “his technical capability, his personality, tenacity and courage” and also “they way in which he wins in his life”, which he considered to be “a living example of Madeiran culture”. “There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldo in the world”, he said.

Former sporting president Sousa Cintra says,” I feel pride as a Portuguese seeing a star who is recognized around the world as one of the best players. For me he's the best. I'm sure next year he'll be voted best in the world.”

Ronaldo was disappointed to be named only the third best FIFA's awards, but Leonel Pontes, who was youth coach at Sporting, and is currently first team assist coach, recalls “He always wanted to be the best, the strongest and the one who scored the most goals. From the moment he was named third, he saw it as a challenge”. “He's reached and unbelievable level and it's extraordinary what he's done so far. Most players who have archived stafdom did so later. Luis Figo, for examples reached his best at 25-26, received the Balon D' at the age of 28, was best in the world at 29.”

Figo said of Ronaldo “had I been born with his talent, I wouldn't have had to work as hard as I did.” To which Ronaldo replied “it very gratifying to hear praise from a great player.”

Portugal coach, Luis Filipe Scolari has also seen the player develop his potential. “He had all the potential to be the one of him leading figures of world football. He has received my vote of confidence and has grown a lot. Now, I want him to become one of the captains of our team.”

The Gunner's maestro dominated the experienced German midfield and showed exactly why there are too few superlatives in the English language to describe his ability. The fluidity and aesthetic appeal of the Spanish in this tournament was nothing short of extraordinary - movement and vision encapsulated the aforementioned midfield quartet was arguably the key to success. In a time when football fans seem to call for more value for money through the turnstiles from the so called entertainment business- it was Spain who delivered the goods in every game. Only the second team to win every game of the Euros made Spain undoubtedly worthy winners which of course this begs the question; "Just how will the new European champions fare in 2010 at the next world cup against the traditional superpowers of Brazil and Argentina?"

In my humble opinion, it is a joy to behold the architects of some of the most precise, exuberant and lethal football being played, what's more is that it's these teams who are winning more often than not. In 2008 Manchester United edged out Chelsea in both the Premiership and Champions League, much to the delight of many footballing neutrals who were much more endured to the style and finesse of United than the power and efficiency of Chelsea. The likes of Drogba, Ballack, Lampard and Essien all played vital roles within the 2008 campaign for Chelsea, however it was these powerhouses who were preferred in Mourinho's and then Grant's teams selections over the more technically minded Kalou, Malouda and Wright-Phillips.

The appointment of Luiz Filipe Scolari as new Chelsea coach this summer has sparked rumors of a new Chelsea style, comparable to that of Manchester United, Barcelona, and other such iconic teams associated with the beautiful game. The first signing of Scolari was fellow Brazilian (now Portuguese by nationality) playmaker Deco. In a sensational coup, Scolari may have just found the missing component to Chelsea's title ambitions. The flair, pzazz and audacity of Deco could similarly rake in millions through media interest in a more attractive looking Chelsea team, commercial sales through shirts, and indeed more neutral support - A winner on all fronts for Abramovic, Kenyon, Buck and the rest of the Chelsea hierarchy.

Football is a beautiful game, one remembered for exciting games and gifted players. If the changing face of football is one with this façade, and this looks increasingly likely, it makes for an exciting time to come in the world's most beloved game. Long live the beautiful game.

In my humble opinion, it is a joy to behold the architects of some of the most precise, exuberant and lethal football being played, what's more is that it's these teams who are winning more often than not. In 2008 Manchester United edged out Chelsea in both the Premiership and Champions League, much to the delight of many footballing neutrals who were much more endured to the style and finesse of United than the power and efficiency of Chelsea. The likes of Drogba, Ballack, Lampard and Essien all played vital roles within the 2008 campaign for Chelsea, however it was these powerhouses who were preferred in Mourinho's and then Grant's teams selections over the more technically minded Kalou, Malouda and Wright-Phillips. The appointment of Luiz Filipe Scolari as new Chelsea coach this summer has sparked rumors of a new Chelsea style, comparable to that of Manchester United, Barcelona, and other such iconic teams associated with the beautiful game. The first signing of Scolari was fellow Brazilian (now Portuguese by nationality) playmaker Deco. In a sensational coup, Scolari may have just found the missing component to Chelsea's title ambitions. The flair, pzazz and audacity of Deco could similarly rake in millions through media interest in a more attractive looking Chelsea team, commercial sales through shirts, and indeed more neutral support - A winner on all fronts for Abramovic, Kenyon and Buck.

Football is a beautiful game, one remembered for exciting games and gifted players. If the changing face of football is one with this façade, and this looks increasingly likely, it makes for an exciting time to come in the world's most beloved game. Long live the beautiful game.