It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 — albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France.
As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old’s main rival was Messi — but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards.
Ronaldo is now one Ballon d’Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.
Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.
But it was only in 2013 that he added his second — Messi had hogged it before then — and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.
United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d’Or “incredible”.
Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed “a sensational year”.
The first Ballon d’Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.
As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old’s main rival was Messi — but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards.
Ronaldo is now one Ballon d’Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.
Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.
But it was only in 2013 that he added his second — Messi had hogged it before then — and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.
United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d’Or “incredible”.
Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed “a sensational year”.
The first Ballon d’Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.
The Ballon d’Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists.
Vanguard
Lucky guy. 7 is a lucky number and am sure that is shirt number.
ReplyDeleteSeen.
ReplyDeleteAward well deserve congrats CR7.
ReplyDeleteAwww.. Thank God he finally made it.
ReplyDeleteChronic womanizer
If he no womanize na manize him go do ????? Oya you go womanize and win odeee
DeleteCongrats
ReplyDeletecongrat my man...u deserve it jor
ReplyDeleteVery well deserved! I love Ronaldo, and I knew he was gonna be the one holding Balloon d'or this year.
ReplyDeleteHe has had a splendid year.
Congrats Cristiano Ronaldo.
ooshey Ronaldo. Not the most talented but the most hardworking player in the world and he stays winning coz of his hard work. Hardwork beats talent, all the time.
ReplyDeleteHe don't deserve it.
ReplyDeleteHug transformer
DeleteWow, Tony! So it is not only in politics that u r a moron! Now I actually feel sad for u.
DeleteCorrect guy, young but with a lot to teach the world.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless the works of your hand.
Yeah! Well deserved.
ReplyDeleteWow! Congrats CR7....
ReplyDeleteGood for him... he deserves it
ReplyDeleteCongratulations dude
Congrats CR-7,I've always been a fan....
ReplyDeleteCongrats to him.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to C-Ronaldo
ReplyDeleteAm a huge messi's fan but to be honest Ronaldo actually deserves it.
ReplyDeleteKisses to SDK!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ronaldo.
You surely deserve this.
You are awesome!!!!
Viva Ronaldo...., Viva Ronaldo.... Running down the wings, hear United sing.... Viva Ronaldo...! Special guy!
ReplyDelete