Ballon d’Or award: Cristiano Ronaldo equals Lionel Messi’s record, lifts trophy for fifth time

Messi came second while Neymar Jr came third; Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished fourth and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić came fifth

By: Score Keepers |
December 8, 2017 9:14 am

Football great Cristiano Ronaldo on December 7 won the Ballon d’Or award for the fifth time, equalling his arch-rival Lionel Messi’s record for lifting the award the most number of times. The Portuguese footballer received the prestigious award during a ceremony organised in Paris.

Messi came second while Neymar Jr, the most expensive player in the world, came third; veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished fourth and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić came fifth.

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Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008. He clinched the trophy consecutively in 2013 and in 2014. In 2016, he bagged his fourth Ballon d’ Or.

A healthy rivalry will only bring the best of out both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

The Real Madrid man says ‘bring it on!’ pic.twitter.com/ngD8CL1unw

— Goal (@goal) December 7, 2017

Beside’s receiving the most prestigious award in football for five times, Ronaldo also has the Best FIFA Men’s Player award to his name twice – 2016 and 2017.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo:

630+ Goals
200+ Assists
5 Ballon d’Or
4 Golden Shoe
3 UEFA Best Player
2 FIFA The Best
4 Champions League
4 Club World Cup
3 UEFA Super Cup
3 Premier League
2 La Liga
2 Copa del Rey
2 Supercopa de España
2 League Cup
1 Community Shield
1 FA Cup
1 Euro pic.twitter.com/g5IacAKhOL

— Real Madrid BR (@Real_MadridBR_) December 8, 2017

WATCH:
_____ Cristiano Ronaldo wins record equalling fifth #BallondOr
__ Is Derek McInnes staying or going?
_ Ring return for @Tyson_Fury?
More https://t.co/l5SO7eAkix pic.twitter.com/9rxyg2GFAt

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 7, 2017

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Ronaldo was also named FIFA World Player of the Year in the year 2008.