2017 Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo Wins A Record Fifth Award

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday won the 2017 Ballon d’Or award for a record-equalling fifth time.

The 32-year-old Real Madrid forward won the award for a second successive year to draw level with rival Lionel Messi who also has five Ballon d’Or awards.

Lionel Messi came second in the voting with Brazilian star Neymar Junior coming third.

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“This is something I look forward to every year,” he said, after receiving the award on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

“The trophies won last year helped to win this award. Thanks to my Real Madrid team-mates. And I want to thank the rest of the people who helped me reach this level.”

The 2016-17 campaign was a stellar season for the former Manchester United player.

In addition to helping Portugal win the Euro 2016, Ronaldo scored 42 goals for Madrid in all competitions as they won their 33rd La Liga title and 12th Champions League title.

In Champions League final against Juventus, he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over the Italian champions.

“I hope to play at this level for a few more years, I hope the battle with Messi continues, things happen for a reason,” Ronaldo added.

He and Messi have now shared the last 10 Ballons d’Or since the Portuguese first won it after leading Manchester United to the 2007-08 Champions League title.

Amid rumors of a possible return to the English Premier League, Ronaldo was asked if he would like to finish his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He said: “I’m happy at Real Madrid, I want to stay there… If possible.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was pleased to hear this as he compared his current star to Alfredo Di Stefano, the only other Real player to ever win multiple Ballons d’Or while with the club.

“For me, he’s the most complete player after Alfredo Di Stefano, he’s Alfredo’s heir,” said Perez.

“He embodies all the values of Real — effort, respect, teamwork and solidarity.”

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The 2017 Ballon d’Or award was voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

It has been awarded by the prestigious France Football magazine every year since 1956. But since 2010, the award became known as the Fifa Ballon d’Or in association with world football’s governing body and was awarded to the world’s best player.

That, however, changed after Fifa ended its association with the award in September 2016.