Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or for fifth time

Portugal’s star, Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the 2017 Ballon d’Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times.

The Real Madrid forward won the award, handed out by magazine France Football, for the second consecutive year having led his side to the La Liga title with 25 goals and a successive Champions League crown, netting 12 goals including two in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the final, scoring 42 goals across all competitions during the 2016-17 season.

Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d’Or @francefootball 2017 ! #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/XbPS7anVRL

— France Football (@francefootball) December 7, 2017

It is the fifth time the Portugal international has won the prize, drawing him level with his great rival Lionel Messi for the most Ballons d'Or of all time. 

I'm very happy. To get this prize in Paris is a great experience, it's marvelous," the 32year-old told L'Equipe TV.  

It's a great moment of my career. It's something I wish I have every year. We had a marvelous year. I was the [top] goalscorer of the Champions League, so I want to thank my team-mates.

They were important for me. And also thanks everybody who helped me to be in great form during the season.

Ronaldo also took home the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013, and 2014.

FIFA formerly awarded the Ballon d'Or in conjunction with France Football, but the two entities split their prizes last year.