Ronaldo wins fourth Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or for a fourth time.

The 31-year-old topped the poll of 173 journalists worldwide to beat Argentina's Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann to the coveted prize.

The Portugal and Real Madrid forward has enjoyed a remarkable 2016, first helping his club beat city rivals Atletico to win the Champions League for an 11th time before captaining Portugal to the European Championships in France.

"It is a great honour to receive my fourth Golden Ball. The emotion is like the first one, it is the dream come true again," Ronaldo said.

"I never thought in my mind to win four times the Golden Ball, so I am so pleased and so happy.

"I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award.

"As you can imagine I feel so proud and happy to receive this amazing and beautiful ball.

"It is important for me, I will try my best, like I do every year. It is a new challenge.

"I love to play football, so I will try my best to win for Real Madrid first, because it is my team, for the national team to win again if it is possible, we know that it is very, very difficult, and to win it (Ballon d'Or) again next year.

"I will try my best, work hard as always and I will enjoy this moment because it is not easy to win this."

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