Cristiano Ronaldo is golden
Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed the 2017 Ballon d'Or. French publication 'France Football' crowned the striker the best in the world as reward for a year full of trophies and new records.
The Ballon d'Or pays tribute to the best footballer on the planet and that is currently, according to 'France Football', Cristiano Ronaldo. It is the fifth time the accolade is claimed by the Real Madrid star, who goes level with Lionel Messi in winning it more than any other player.
The Portuguese striker was expected to clinch the award again, after coming away with all the prestigious prizes in 2016. In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his place at the summit of world football, guiding Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League triumphs as well as winning the European and Spanish Supercups.
Collective success played its part in the decision, though Ronaldo's individual numbers are also phenomenal. Last term's Champions League triumph was in great measure thanks to his 12 goals in the competition.
The 32-year-old played a vital role in Real Madrid's so-called 'Duodecima' trophy, scoring ten goals from the quarter-finals onwards. He was also key in the final in Cardiff, scoring twice as Real emphatically downed Juventus 4-1.
He was awarded FIFA's The Best award in October, comfortably brushing aside his rivals and 'France Football's jury made up of international journalists did not hesitate in naming Cristiano Ronaldo the 2017 Ballon d'Or winner.