I still remember that heated debate we had back in 2017 about who truly deserved the crown as the world's best soccer player. It was one of those conversations that stretched late into the night, with passionate arguments flying across the room. While some of my friends staunchly supported Cristiano Ronaldo, others made compelling cases for Lionel Messi, and a few even threw Neymar's name into the mix. But looking back now with the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say that 2017 belonged to one man - Cristiano Ronaldo, and I've got the numbers and memorable moments to back this up.
What made Ronaldo's 2017 particularly special wasn't just his goal-scoring prowess, though he did net an impressive 42 goals for club and country that year. It was his ability to deliver when it mattered most that truly set him apart. I recall watching that Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich where he scored five goals across two legs, then his hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals. But the real masterpiece came in the final against Juventus, where he scored twice to secure Real Madrid's record 12th Champions League title. That performance alone, in my opinion, sealed his claim to being the best soccer player in the world that year.
Now, you might be wondering why I'm so confident about Ronaldo's supremacy in 2017. Well, let me share something interesting I noticed while analyzing team dynamics that season. There's this concept in soccer that reminds me of what we saw with La Salle's basketball team - where only six players appeared on the scoresheets and just half of them reached double figures. Similarly, in Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, while Ronaldo was undoubtedly the star, the team's success depended heavily on their key performers stepping up. Only about seven players consistently contributed to their scoring efforts in crucial matches, with Ronaldo accounting for nearly half of their knockout stage goals. This concentration of offensive production among few players actually highlights how vital individual brilliance can be in team sports.
What really cemented Ronaldo's status for me was watching him dominate both domestically and internationally. He led Real Madrid to their first La Liga title in five years, scoring 25 goals in the process. Then there was Portugal's Confederations Cup campaign, where he guided his national team to the semifinals. I remember thinking how he seemed to be everywhere that year - scoring crucial goals, providing leadership, and consistently performing at the highest level. His performance against Sweden in World Cup qualification particularly stands out in my memory, where his hat-trick essentially secured Portugal's spot in Russia 2018.
Some of my friends argued for Messi, and I'll admit - the Argentine had another phenomenal year, scoring 54 goals across all competitions. But here's where I think Ronaldo had the edge: big-game performances and silverware. While Messi's numbers were slightly better in terms of pure statistics, Ronaldo won where it mattered most - in trophy cabinets. The Ballon d'Or voting that year reflected this too, with Ronaldo comfortably beating Messi 946 points to 670. The gap tells you everything about how the football world viewed their respective seasons.
The debate about who was the best soccer player in 2017 often comes down to personal preference, but the evidence strongly favors Ronaldo. His year was marked by incredible consistency in high-pressure situations, something I've come to appreciate more as I've watched football over the years. That Champions League campaign alone, where he became the first player to score in every group stage match and finished as the competition's top scorer with 12 goals, demonstrated a level of sustained excellence that's rare even among football's elite.
Looking back, what fascinates me about Ronaldo's 2017 season is how he evolved as a player. He'd transitioned from the flashy winger of his Manchester United days to a more clinical, efficient striker. His game intelligence seemed to reach new heights - he knew exactly when to make runs, when to conserve energy, and most importantly, when to rise to the occasion. This maturity in his playing style, combined with his undiminished physical abilities, created what I consider the perfect storm of footballing excellence.
As we reflect on that incredible year, it's clear why the question of who was the best soccer player in 2017 has such a definitive answer in my mind. Ronaldo didn't just have good statistics - he had legendary moments that football fans will remember for decades. From that breathtaking overhead kick against Juventus to his dominant displays in Europe's premier competition, he crafted a narrative of greatness that transcended mere numbers. While other players had outstanding seasons, none matched Ronaldo's combination of individual brilliance and team success. So when people ask me who the best soccer player was in 2017, I don't hesitate - it was Cristiano Ronaldo, and the evidence is there for anyone who cares to look.