Ronaldo wins Ballon d'or for the fourth time

Ronaldo

The Portuguese international beat his rival Lionel Messi to clinch the award for the fourth time in his career. The Real Madrid forward who has had the 'best season of his career' won the Champions league with Madrid and lead Portugal to their first ever major trophy at Euro 2016.

   Ronaldo who regained the award from Messi had 745 points from the jury of 173 international journalists who voted for the victor while Messi and Athletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezman came second and third respectively.

    

On receiving the award,Ronaldo said he never imagined he could win the accolade four times.

He said;

"Winning the Euros, the Champions League and now the Ballon d'Or is unforgettable," Ronaldo told L'Equipe . "This year was the best of my career, both at an individual and at team level.

Congratulations to @Cristiano on winning his fourth Ballon d'Or!

"For me, it's a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d'Or. The emotion is the same as in the past. The dream becomes reality.

"Winning a first trophy with Portugal was still missing on my CV. It was one of the most important moments of my life. I will obviously not forget about the Champions League win either.

"The difference is that Madrid are used to winning trophies, Portugal had never won a major trophy. I do not want to disrespect the Champions League, but winning the Euros with Portugal was something special, on another level.

"I must thank all my team-mates. You can imagine how proud I am to receive this magnificent trophy.

"What is more important, win a fifth one or win again with Portugal? I think both are important to me. I will try to give the best of myself, as every time.

"The team always comes first for me. I would not have won this trophy without Real Madrid and Portugal. But I would like to enjoy this moment today, I am very happy."

Meanwhile Luis Suarez,Neymar and Gareth Bale finished 4th,5th and 6th respectively.

Congrats to a football great.