Breaking: Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Fourth Ballon D’or
Real Madrid attacker, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Ballon D’Or winner for 2016. It’s the fourth time CR7 is picking up the prestigious award.
31-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, won the Ballon d’Or award for the fourth time in his career. Cristiano Ronaldo, had helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League last season, he also scored three goals to help Portugal win Euro 2016.
In 2008, 2013 and 2014, Ronaldo was named Ballon D’Or winner.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ronaldo said:
“I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and 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.”
Having won four Ballon D’Or awards, Ronaldo is now one behind Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who has picked up the award on 5 occasions.
Ronaldo has already scored 19 goals in 20 games for club and country this season. Last season, the Portuguese striker scored 54 goals.
Gareth Bale finished sixth in the voting list, while Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy finished eighth.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.
Since 1956, the award has been organised and awarded by French Football. For the past six years it was renamed to be the FIFA Ballon d’Or in association with world football’s governing body and was awarded to the world’s best player.
In September this year, FIFA ended its association with the award.
Henceforth, FIFA will hand out its own prize for the world’s best men’s player, along with the best women’s player and team of the year, at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Zurich on 9 January.
