After giving a European Championship title to Portugal and another Champions League trophy to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo ends the year with something just for himself — his fourth world player of the year award.
Ronaldo on Monday won his third Ballon d’Or award, which this year is being handed out by France Football magazine separately from FIFA. Ronaldo also took home the Ballon d’Or prize in 2013 and 2014, and the FIFA award in 2008 while still playing for Manchester United. He is also in contention for FIFA’s prize this year, along with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
Only Ronaldo and Messi have been voted the best in the world since 2007, when Kaká won the prize. Messi won a record fifth award last year.
“For me it’s a great honor to receive my fourth golden ball,” Ronaldo said in a recorded video. “I never thought in my mind to win four times, so I’m so pleased, I’m so happy. I have to thank all my teammates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, all the players who helped me win this individual award.”
France Football will announce the runners-up to Ronaldo later Monday.
Ronaldo, 31, was picked from a list of 30 players by a group of international journalists selected by the French magazine, which for the previous six years awarded the coveted prize in partnership with FIFA. Soccer’s governing body, which relies on the votes of coaches, team captains, journalists and — for the first time — an online poll of fans, will be handing out its own award in January.
Ronaldo, who recently said he was going through the best period of his life, is receiving the Ballon d’Or award a month after his contract with Madrid was extended until 2021, keeping him in Spain until he is 36 years old.
