For the fourth time in his glittering career, Cristiano Ronaldo has been recognized as the best footballer on the planet.
After a year in which he led Real Madrid to a Champions League title and captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, the free-scoring frontman captured yet another Ballon d’Or on Monday, beating out perennial rival Lionel Messi for the honour.
(Courtesy: France Football)
“It is a huge honour to win the Ballon d’Or. I am very happy. This is a dream come true and it is the fourth time,” the bronzed megastar said. “I feel very proud. This win is for my teammates in both the club and the national team. It is incredible to earn this trophy again.”
Along with the two high-profile pieces of silverware he kissed, Ronaldo enjoyed a typically fantastic statistical year, finding the back of the net 51 times in 54 matches for both club and country.
Monday’s announcement, which was widely expected given the 31-year-old’s trophy-laden campaign, means the photogenic Portuguese and his Argentine peer have combined to win the last nine Ballon d’Ors on offer.
Ronaldo, 31, had previously won the award in 2008, 2013, and 2014 – the …read more