Link washed up on the shore of an island after several days at sea floating around on a piece of wood (LA). He spent seven years without food or water and still manage to grom up. (OoT) He got turned into a little pink bunny every time he went to the Dark Hyrule until he aquired the Master Sword (LttP). Galavanted through different times and demensions (OoA, OoS). floated around the ocean on a talking ship. (WW). Turned into a wolf while in the shadow realm. (TP).
The point is just because something completely unrealistic has happened to the main character in order to develop story line and atmosphere, doesn't make him/her a bad ass. The hard figures are what really matter (see below)
Link has had at least 12 recognized full-length video games in wich he starred as the main character. Each one of these was adored by critics and recieved average scores of 8.5 or better (Cdi titles don't count since they aren't recognized as Zelda cannon). The greatest game of all time (according to gamerankings) is a Legend of Zelda title.
In addition to the main games Link has cameoed in unrelated games as a playable character some even third-party titles. (Soul Calibur, Smash Bros, ect.)
Link has had his own Television show:
Had his name on Cereal, and fruit snacks. 
Had countless merchendising cash-ins:
Follow Link to see all the Zelda/Link t-shirts and clothing available: http://www.80stees.com/pages/t-shirts/totally-80s-t-shirts/Legend_of_Zelda_t-shirts.asp
He's also the most recognized character in Video Games other than Mario. And every top ten list of greatest video games of all time worth its salt has at least one Zelda title in the top Two.
What has Cloud had in real life? True he was part of a video games series that has spanned 13 main titles and countless spin-offs but he was only in one of those as a main character. He also stared in a 1 hour 30 min straight to DVD tech demo for the PS3. (Advent Children)
Pwned!
