Even if #2-3 is correct, Iniesta won that is it, the award is not going to change to his name. As much as credit he gets for winning Madrid the La Liga, Casillas deserve just as much not to mention that his performance for Spain in Euros is another reason why most the Madrid players back Casillas. Casillas had a similar thing in 2008, he won the Liga in 07/08 and won Euros 08, but Ronaldo got the Ballon that year he won the CL and league (if I'm correct). This year Casillas has a stronger case ahead of both Messi/Ronaldo.
The media have always been around, everyone wants a Spaniard to win the Ballon because of the recent success (the 3 major tournaments). We don't know what the next WC holds for them a Ballon would wrap up this great national side hence why many Spanish media are supporting either Casillas/Iniesta. They deserve just as much as Messi/Ronaldo. Ronaldo team has always been supportive of him and back him up just because this season they lean towards Casillas doesn't mean they don't care for him.
1. Ronaldo is desperate to get the Ballon and to be named #1
2. He just trying to gather sympathy around the world, so it could play in his favour
3. He's overreacting
4. All of the above
Casillas and Madrid won Liga in 2007-2008 and followed up with a win at Euros. But Madrid were also eliminated in 1/8 finals stages in the CL and in fact, barely ended first during group stages. They struggled a lot on CL stage. Furthermore, they got out early in Copa Del Rey too. To be noted, Barcelona finished 3rd in la Liga that year...
On the other hand, CR7 had his best year with United in 2007-2008. We won CL and EPL. Ronaldo scored in the CL Final; even if he missed during the shootouts. He scored 42 goals in a single season; which is the second-best tally at United just behind Denis Law. He surpassed George Best's 33 goal-mark in January itself. I remember this was heavily marked; given both player's geniuses and with their iconic No.7. He was Best Player in EPL, he won best player in CL, best forward in CL, best goalscorer in CL, was man of the match in CL final ect... In short, he fully deserved the prize over Messi, Casillas, Drogba ect... that year. End of story concerning 2008.
I don't think Casillas has a stronger case than Messi/Ronaldo. As I said, Ronaldo deserves it fully this year but of course, his image in the media is no more the same as in 2008. As I said, he got many haters in those 4-years course and despite his talent and achievements, he might fall short.
Well, one Spaniard definitely deserved a Ballon; if we see their achievements over the last 6 years. Still, media are romanticizing the whole issue here and by such, are giving a sort of favoritism to Spaniards and to Messi (who remains half-Spanish in my eyes). Frankly, Spain as whole team are nonequivalent but the Ballon D'Or is an individual award. And admit it or not, the past year, Ronaldo has become the best individuality on a football pitch.
So yeah,
1. He is desperate but after such a great season, how can we say that he does not deserve the Ballon D'Or?
2. True. But as I said, it's perhaps since he realized that being the best on the football pitch doesn't give you the Ballon. For that, you need to garner media and journalist's attention. Somewhat, he indeed shook all news sites with his rant.
3. Indeed. While it may still be due to taxes+salary issues, as a matter of fact, the snub he received at UEFA European Award is linked more with Ballon D'Or than money. Even if he wants a new contract or something, his rant is somewhere connected with the Ballon D'Or and the want to be on the Top "officially".
