Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013, fending off Barcelona’s Lionel Messi for the trophy.
This marks the second time Real Madrid’s star striker has scooped the award, and successfully puts an end to Messi’s lengthy reign as title holder, as the Argentinean has taken home the trophy the past four years running.
Speaking as he accepted the award in a ceremony in Zurich, Ronaldo said: “First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved.”
The 28-year-old ended the year with 62 goals from 58 appearances for Real Madrid, and became the fastest player to ever reach the 200 goal milestone for the club.
Photo: Getty Images
