Ronaldo caps 'golden year' with fourth Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the Ballon d’or on Monday evening. The 31-year-old was chosen ahead of long time rival, Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

This becomes the fourth time that the Portuguese international has picked up the award which is voted for by journalists across Europe. He has previously won it in 2008 whiles at Manchester United before winning it twice in 2013 and 2014 whiles at Madrid.

Ronaldo has had a remarkable year for club and country. He was inspirational for club side Real Madrid leading them to the club’s 11th UEFA Champions League trophy.

The Madrid club beat city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalty shoot out with Ronaldo taking the final kick of the game.

#UPDATE Ronaldo wins fourth Ballon d'Or crown https://t.co/URxi0ynRiU pic.twitter.com/H5N4o7xAzx

— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 12, 2016

Two months later, Ronaldo captained the Portuguese national team to continental glory during the EURO 2016 tournament. Although Ronaldo was injured minutes into the final game, but the team managed to beat hosts France through an effort by Eder.

In August, Cristiano Ronaldo, was again adjudged the best player by Europe’s football governing body, UEFA during the 2016/2017 Champions League draw in Monaco.

Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016:

- Champions League Winner 🏆
- European Championship Winner 🏆
- Ballon D'Or Winner 🏆

Best in the world. 😎🔥 pic.twitter.com/NKuYUjvlGN

— SPORF (@Sporf) December 12, 2016