Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid ace wins 2016 Goal 50 award
The Portugal skipper picks up the gong for a fourth time, equalling the haul of Barça star Lionel Messi, who this year is outside the top three.
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Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the recipient of the 2016 Goal 50 award, scooping the accolade for the fourth time in his career.
The 31-year-old, who this year lifted the Champions League with Real and captained Portugal to success at Euro 2016, succeeds Barcelona's Leo Messi as the winner.
The Goal 50 is an annual prize that ranks the top 50 players in the world over the past 12 months, voted for by the writers of Goal.com's 38 global editions.
Suárez and Griezmann complete podium
Messi came fourth, one ahead of Real's Gareth Bale in fifth, with Barça's Luis Suárez second and Atlético Madrid's France star Antoine Griezmann third.
"For me it is an honour to receive this recognition," said Cristiano, who on Monday signed a new Madrid contract tying him to the Bernabéu side until 2021.
"It is not just for me but for all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and my national team," added the ex-Manchester United man. "I feel very happy and proud."
Eight Madrid players in top 50
Real are - alongside Bayern Munich - the most represented club on the list, with Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo and Casemiro also included.