Cristiano Ronaldo has been the world's best player in 2014 without a shadow of a doubt, and he is a certainty to win his third Ballon d'Or award in an amazing career next month. The 29-year-old is a freak of nature and the perfect specimen of a footballer, and his exploits throughout the year have been astonishing. He finished last season with an amazing 51 goals, while this time around he already has 30 in just 22 appearances. He can score all types of goal, whether it be stunning free-kicks, salmon-like headers, ruthless finishes or individual pieces of genius. The former Manchester United star is so dedicated to making himself as good as he can possibly be, but because of his slightly vein, egotistical personality, he doesn't get enough credit for all the hard work put in. Ronaldo's duel with Messi is one of the most fascinating in the history of sport, and they both seem so driven to outdo one another. They both benefit from the rivalry, and we should feel privileged to be witnessing two of football's greatest ever players at the peak of their powers. It has been Ronaldo who has been the star of 2014 though, and his inspirational displays for Real Madrid helped them win a historic 10th European Cup in May. What a player. Honourable mentions: Neymar and Franck Ribery
