Top 5 players who beat Messi and Ronaldo to major individual awards

Argentina v Portugal - International Friendly
Argentina v Portugal - International Friendly

3. Diego Forlan

Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Manchester United v Middlesbrough

The legendary Atletico Madrid player was a real force in his playing days. He was highly recognised for his free kicks and goalscoring stints. The Uruguayan boasts an impressive goalscoring record in the Spanish League. No wonder he also beat Messi and Ronaldo to major individual awards.

In 2009, Diego Forlan won the La Liga top scorer award after scoring 32 goals in 33 games for Athletico Madrid in the 2008/2009 La Liga season. That same year, he also beat the pair outranking them to claim the European Top Scorer award.

All these are impressive achievements and should be well appreciated.

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