Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or award for the fourth time.
The Real Madrid and Portugal superstar finished ahead of his great rival, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, in a vote. Antoine Griezmann, of Atletico Madrid, finished in third.
He has now won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, with Messi the only other recipient of the award since winning it for the first time in 2009.
Ronaldo played a large part in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory last season, and also played a key role as Portugal won Euro 2016, scoring three times.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ronaldo, who was not available to collect the award in person as he is currently with his Real teammates in Japan for the Club World Cup, said:
“I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy.
“I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award.”
The top five was rounded out by Barcelona pair Luis Suarez (4th) and Neymar (5th). Gareth Bale was the highest finishing British player in sixth, ahead of Leicester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, the highest ranking Premier League players.
By Steve Osborne @BlizzardSteve75