xtratime Logo

Portugal superstar topped the poll with 173 votes

[caption id="attachment_30934" align="alignnone" width="580"] Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or title for a record fourth time in Paris on Monday night. Image Source: twitter[/caption] Internet Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world's best player for a fourth time on Monday night as he won the 2016 Ballon d'Or trophy. He is now one Ballon d'Or behind last year's winner Messi. The 31-year-old Portugal and Real Madrid forward got the most number of votes from journalists worldwide. The Portuguese international got 173 votes. Ronaldo played a crucial role in helping Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid to be crowned the European champions for a record 11^th time. Two months later he was part of the triumphant Portugal side that won the Euro 2016 in France. Ronaldo, who has so far scored 48 goals in 52 games for club and country during 2016, was not able to accept the award in person with the forward currently away in Japan as Real Madrid prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup. The 31-year-old has previously won the Ballon d'Or three times, the last in 2014 when it had been merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year accolade. He later tweeted to express his gratitude. The award moves Ronaldo clear of three-time winners Marco van Basten, Michel Platini and the late Johan Cruyff. Commenting on his triumph, Ronaldo said: "I never thought in my mind to win four times the Golden Ball, so I am so pleased and so happy. "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. "As you can imagine I feel so proud and happy to receive this amazing and beautiful ball, I am so happy." Along with Ronaldo, Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann and Argentina's Lionel Messi, Ronaldo has also been named on a three-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men's Player Award 2016, which will be announced at a ceremony in Zurich on January 9.