Portuguese Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo beat Barcelona’s Lionel Messi to win the fifth Ballon d’Or award for the 2017 best player on Thursday.
The 32-year-old was the top-scorer in last season’s Champions League as Real successfully defended the trophy with victory over Juventus in June, and also led the Spanish giants to their first La Liga title in five years.
“Of course I feel happy. This is something I look forward to every year,” Ronaldo said at the ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, AFP reports.
Ronaldo thanked his teammates and all the people who helped him reach this level.
Another dream come true. Unbelievable feeling. Thanks to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone that stood by my side throughout the years.👌🏽🔝 pic.twitter.com/A9jyYswePD
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 7, 2017
Ronaldo previously won the 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016 Ballon d’OR award.
In October, Ronaldo won the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award
Ronaldo will lead Portugal at next year’s World Cup in Russia as he looks to add football’s greatest title to the 2016 European Championship win, when the Portuguese beat hosts France in the final.
