Ballon d’Or 2017 award: Ronaldo claims award for the fifth time to equal Messi

Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo equals Messi’s record after claiming the 2017 Ballon d’Or prize yesterday in Paris.

The Real Madrid striker claimed the La Liga title as well as the Champions League in another trophy-laden year, beating Messi and Neymar to the accolade.

It is the fifth time and a second straight year win for the Portugal international which now equals him with his great rival, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo had previously won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, while Messi won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2015.
Ronaldo was favourite to win this year, after a remarkable year with the La Liga and European champions.

Speaking at the awards, Ronaldo said;

“I feel very happy, it’s a fantastic moment in my career,” Ronaldo said, standing with his mother Maria Dolores and his oldest son Cristiano Jr.

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“I’ve waited a long time for this. This has been a stupendous year for me, we won the Champions League and La Liga and on a personal level I was top scorer in the Champions League.

“Trophies help me win prizes like this and I have to thank my team mates at Madrid and Portugal. They’ve been very important to me.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d’Or @francefootball 2017 ! #BallondOr pic.twitter.com/XbPS7anVRL

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— France Football (@francefootball) December 7, 2017