Ballon d'Or 2013: Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing the Best Soccer of His Career?

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing the best soccer of his career? Lionel Messi has recently expressed his doubts, but Ronaldo has none whatsoever.

"I am good every season," Ronaldo said, according to ESPN. "At least I prepare myself for this, and try to be the best I can. Maybe, with the number of goals I have, this could be the best moment of my life. This could maybe be my best season, but I believe I always play my role."

It is hard to disagree with the Portuguese superstar. His goal scoring has been tremendous this season. In just 13 matches in the Spanish League, he already has 16 and has not shown any signs of slowing down. Through all competitions, Ronaldo has scored in six straight matches and in eight of the last nine; he has 13 in the last six. At the rate he is currently scoring, Ronaldo could wind up with 46 goals when all is said and done in June. That would equal the 46 goals that he scored in 2011-12. However, a look at his Champions League numbers tells another story. Through just four games, Ronaldo has scored eight times and at least once in each of those games; he scored 12 goals in 12 matches during the 2012-13 UCL.

Factor in his performance against Sweden in the last two games of the World Cup playoffs and it is hard to argue with his assertion that this is the best season of his career.

In order for Ronaldo be able to affirm his assertion that this is his best season ever, he would need to help Real Madrid win a trophy in 2013-14. The team failed to do anything of that sort last year and is in dire need of some silverware. If Ronaldo can help his club achieve that, then there is no doubt that Ronaldo may be experiencing his finest hour.

Is Ronaldo playing the best soccer of his career? If not, then when was he better?