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Ballon d'Or 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo thanks Real Madrid after equalling Lionel Messi record
CRISTIANO RONALDO thanked Real Madrid after collecting his fifth Ballon d’Or on Thursday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or for a FIFTH time
The Portuguese is now level with Barcelona star Lionel Messi having secured his second award in succession.
And that accolade comes off the back of a year in which he’s scored 49 goals, as well as helping Real win a La Liga and Champions League double.
This year’s Ballon d’Or is the latest in a steady stream of personal awards that Ronaldo has collected since rocking up at the Bernabeu in 2009.
And the 32-year-old thanked Real for their help after beating Messi and Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar to the top gong.
I have to thank my team-mates, Real Madrid and the rest of the people who helped me to be in great shape throughout the season
"I feel happy, it's a great moment in my career," said Ronaldo.
"This is something I look forward to every year.
“Last year we had an amazing season in the Champions League and La Liga.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is now level with Lionel Messi after scooping his fifth Ballon d'Or
Cristiano Ronaldo won a La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid last season
Another dream come true. Unbelievable feeling. Thanks to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone that stood by my side throughout the years.������������������ pic.twitter.com/A9jyYswePD
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 7, 2017
"I have to thank my team-mates, Real Madrid and the rest of the people who helped me to be in great shape throughout the season."
Ronaldo and Messi are the only two players to have won the Ballon d’Or since Kaka took the prize in 2007.
Neymar has been touted as the man capable of ending the superstar duo’s stranglehold.
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