Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo wins his fifth Ballon d’Or to match Lionel Messi’s tally

Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2017 Ballon d’Or award on Thursday night, for a second year in a row, to match rival Lionel Messi’s tally of five titles.

The 32-year-old Real Madrid forward, who lifted the trophy in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016 beforehand, has drawn level with FC Barcelona great Messi, with both stars now dominating the Ballon d’Or awards for a decade, since Brazilian Kaka won the honour back in 2007.

Ronaldo, who helped Madrid lift the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga title last season, scored a remarkable 42 goals in all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side after guiding Portugal to victory at the UEFA Euro 2016 Championships in France.

The former Manchester United winger netted a brace in the 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus and netted 25 times in 29 league games as Los Blancos finished three points ahead of Messi’s Barcelona for their first league title since 2012.

Another dream come true. Unbelievable feeling. Thanks to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone that stood by my side throughout the years. pic.twitter.com/A9jyYswePD

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 7, 2017

Ronaldo said, “This is something I look forward to every year.

“Thanks to my Real Madrid team-mates. And I want to thank the rest of the people who helped me reach this level.”

Runner-up Messi’s former team mate Neymar, now at Paris Saint-Germain, finished third on the night.

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