Cristiano Ronaldo, a European champion for both club and country in 2016, has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the forth time in his career.

A winner in 2008, 2013 and 2014, is now one behind of Lionel Messi who receiced the award for a record five times.

The Ballon d’Or is given to the best Europe- based player with this year award capping one of the most successful years of Ronaldo’s career.

Ronaldo ,31,helped his side Real Madrid to beat their rivals Atletico Madrid in a penalty shoot-out to win the Champions League and then captained Portugal to their first international success, at Euro 2016.

The awards were decided by votes from a panel of 173 journalists and with points awarded to each selection.

This year FIFA ended its association with the award and will be handing its owns prize for the world’s best men and women players,at the Best Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Zurich on 9th January 2017.

Past Ballon d’Or winners

2015: Lionel Messi 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo 2007: Kaka
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo 2006: Fabio Cannavaro
2012: Lionel Messi 2005: Ronaldinho
2011: Lionel Messi 2004: Andriy Shevchenko
2010: Lionel Messi 2003: Pavel Nedved
2009: Lionel Messi