Shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned the world’s best player for the fourth time in his career on Monday, the complete list revealing the final 2016 Ballon d’Or rankings was released by France Football.
Related: Ronaldo edges Messi to capture 4th Ballon d’Or of his career
Not surprisingly, Lionel Messi emerged as the runner-up, while La Liga peers Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, and Neymar rounded out the top five spots; indeed, seven of those in the top 10 ply their trade in Spain.
Thirty players were initially in the running for the award, but only those who received votes – either first, second, or third-place – from the 173-journalist panel were included in the final ranking.
Here’s how it played out:
- 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal)
- 2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)
- 3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid and France)
- 4. Luis Suarez (Barcelona and Uruguay)
- 5. Neymar (Barcelona and Brazil)
- 6. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid and Wales)
- 7. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester and Algeria)
- 8. Jamie Vardy (Leicester and England)
- 9. Pepe (Real Madrid and Portugal)
- 9. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy)
- 11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
- 12. Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon and Portugal)
- 13. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United and Sweden)
- T-14. …read more