On Monday evening it became official - Cristiano Ronaldo won his fourth "Golden Ball" in his career.
In the "France Football" poll, the 31-year-old Madrid "Real" leader defeated "Barcelona" representative Lionel Messi and "Atletico" player Antoine Griezmann.
Last season, the Portuguese triumphed in the UEFA Champions League and the European Championship.
Ronaldo had previously won the prestigious award in 2008, 2013, and 2014.
"It is a great honor for me to win the fourth 'Golden Ball' - a dream come true. I am very happy and satisfied. I want to thank my teammates and my country," said the laureate.
"I am overwhelmed with emotions, as if I had won for the first time."
Election results
- C.Ronaldo
- L.Messi
- A.Griezmann
- L.Suarez
- Neymar
- G.Bale
- R.Mahrez
- J.Vardy
- Pepe
- G.Buffon
- P.Aubameyang
- R.Patricio
- Z.Ibrahimovic
- A.Vidal
- P.Pogba
- R.Lewandowski
- D.Payet
- L.Modric
- T.Kroos
And here is the cover of the special issue of @francefootball on the Ballon d'Or! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/PzVoDvmku1 - la chaine L'EQUIPE (@lachainelequipe) December 12, 2016
