Real Madrid talisman and Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, wins the 2017 edition of Ballon d’Or prize yesterday, at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
The Real Madrid all-time highest goal scorer Ronaldo beats his Barcelona rival Lionel Messi to emerge as winner of the prestigious French magazine ” Ballon d’Or “ award, equalling Lionel Messi’s record after a season that saw him lead Real Madrid to their 12th Champions League title.
Last season, Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win the Champions League and their first La Liga title since 2012. Ronaldo added the 2017 Ballon d’Or to those he won in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, and Messi is the only other recipient of the award since 2009.
“This is something I look forward to every year,” he said, after receiving the award on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“Thanks to my Real Madrid team-mates. And I want to thank the rest of the people who helped me reach this level.”
“I’m very happy. To get this prize in Paris is a great experience, it’s marvelous,” Ronaldo told L’Equipe TV.
“It’s a great moment of my career. It’s something I wish I have every year. We had a marvelous year. I was the [top] goalscorer of the Champions League, so I want to thank my team-mates.
“They were important for me. And also thanks everybody who helped me to be in great form during the season.”