Ronaldo: ‘I'm proud, happy with Ballon d’Or award’

PARIS, France (Kurdistan24) – Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in Paris, France on Monday.

The 31-year-old won the prize for a fourth time after previously collecting it in 2008, 2013, and 2014.

Ronaldo’s performances for club and country in 2016 helped him win the honor after lifting the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and the European Cup with Portugal.

“I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times,” the Portuguese superstar said.

“I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy,” Ronaldo added.

Despite leaving the European Cup final prematurely through injury, Ronaldo’s three goals at the Summer’s tournament helped Portugal reach the final.

“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,” he stated.

The Real Madrid forward scored 54 goals last season for club and country and already registered 19 goals in 20 games this term.

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi finished second to rival Ronaldo but has won the award five times himself, once more than the Portuguese.

Moreover, France international and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Greizmann finished third in the race for the honor.

The Ballon d’Or is voted by 173 journalists from across the globe.

FIFA, the governing body of world football, discontinued its association with the award after it had ties with the Ballon d’Or for the past six years.

Instead, FIFA will issue its prize recognizing the world’s best men’s player and the world’s best women’s player at a ceremony in Zurich on Jan. 9, 2017.