Christian Ronaldo added a missing link to his multitude of achievements, with a 2016 European Championship medal to deservedly sweep the Ballon d'Or 2016. However, the UK New Year's Honours List allows Britain to acknowledge and reward consistent dedication, achievement and hard work, something that an OBE for wales' manager Chris Coleman, does perfectly.
Wales' odds defying European Championship Semi-Final
So much has happened since June, but it was a great achievement for Wales achievement - topping their European Championship 2016 Group, a tournament that, lest we forget, was initially in doubt due to terrorist threats.
It is a great thing that the man who orchestrated group stage wins over Slovakia and that impressive 3-0 drubbing of Russia, followed by a close 2-1 defeat to England to top the group. Had, already, in that achievement, produced an underdog story that everyone can be proud of. It's easy to forget that in 2011, Wales' footballers plummeted to a new low of a FIFA World ranking of 117. This year, under the guise of the honest and hardworking Chris Coleman, they have risen to a high of 12th, a place above rivals England.
Victories over Northern Ireland (1-0) and dark horses, Belgium (3-1), earned a Semi-Final appearance that in 2011, would have seemed a lottery win a way.
Chris Coleman - The Motivator
Yeah, throughout the campaign the jokes were going around about the need of a name change to Bales, suggesting that their achievements and progress is down purely to Real Madrid's Gareth Bale.
Yet, if you watch key performances from the 2016 European Championships, such as the impressive, comeback inclusive 3-1 victory over Belgium. Then you will see a tight-knit defensive unit, with the likes of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy and defender Ashley Williams (Everton), embodying the fight and spirit of their motivational manager.
Celebrate the underdog
For a man who started his career in the fourth tier of British football, with Swansea City in 1987. He has never shied away from a challenge, something that was recognised when he was given the freedom of Swansea City, but the award of an OBE, rightly gives him the universal recognition it deserves. Leicester City, quite rightly received most team of the year awards, but the New Year's Honours List, quite rightly recognises a man behind a great team.
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