The Reign of LM10 and CR7

 With nothing to put them on the world maps and not one sporting hero in decades, the two countries would go on to unearth otherworldly talent. Both would go on to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. The mere mention of their names would bring appreciation or admiration into our minds, as both absolutely blew through the sporting world. From the slums of São Pedro parish to the riches of Bellamar, their journey has been nothing short of a miracle. 

In recent times, however, there has been a shift in views. No matter how great a sportsperson is, the end is inevitable for everyone, and these two giants are no different. From financial problems to boredom from playing against children, both suffered in their respective teams. As COVID-19 cast a shadow of doubt over their clubs, the problems further escalated. Driven by these issues, both decided to take a stance and after long associations with both their clubs, left them, hoping to ease the burden.

Has that move paid off? Since their shift, both these giants have suffered their biggest slump ever. Not since the recession of the West Indian cricket teams of old have we seen anything like it. Having shifted to his new club where he joined promising young talent, one has scored only 7 goals in 25 games, scoring at a dismal rate of 0.25 goals per game.

The other shifted back to his roots in a sense. Having traveled the world, he believed it was time to return to a struggling team; a team where he began his journey many many moons ago, and make them great again. A change of environment has suited him better than his left-footed counterpart; he has hit the back of the net 18 times in 30 games, an extremely efficient rate in today's game.

The FIFA Football Awards as always is a time for winners to rejoice under their personal glory, but as we are gathered here, do we witness the start of a new era? Like the Peles and the Zidanes, like the Cruyffs and the Nazarios of the world, has the time come for them to retire? Is it time for someone else to take on the baton these two have proudly held for 15+ years? Are we ready to see the greats say goodbye? Is the world ready to watch a game and then remember that both of them have left? Are we as a football community, ready to move on without the greatness of Lionel Andres Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro?

 Only time will tell.