Ronaldo wins fifth Ballon d'Or award as best player to equal Messi's record

PARIS: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the fifth Ballon d’Or Award of his career as a best player, equaling Lionel Messi’s record after a season that saw him lead Real Madrid to their 12th Champions League title.

Ronaldo won the trophy awarded by France Football magazine at a ceremony held at the Eiffel Tower on Thursday. He finished ahead of contenders Messi and Neymar.

Ronaldo was shown on television receiving the award while making the sign of five with his left hand as held the trophy in his right. Messi was runner-up behind him and Neymar was third.

"Of course, I feel happy, it's a big moment in my career," Ronaldo said. "It's something I hope to win every year."

The 32-year-old Portugal forward also took home the Ballon d'Or prize in 2013 and 2014, and in 2008 when playing for Manchester United.

Messi won it from 2009-12 and again in 2015.

2017 Ballon d’Or final standings

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) 3. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) 4. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) 5. Luka Modric (Real Madrid) 6. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) 7. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain) 8. N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea) 9. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) 10. Harry Kane (Tottenham)