Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2016 Ballon d'Or award by beating old rival Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo, 31, was officially declared this year's Ballon d'Or winner in a ceremony held in Paris on Monday. It was the fourth time in Ronaldo's career that he received this distinction, previously winning it in 2008, 2013, and 2014.

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Messi took the accolade last year, the Argentine's fifth trophy. Now, Ronaldo is just one Golden Ball away from tying his multi-awarded counterpart.

"I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four times. I am pleased. I feel so proud and happy," said Ronaldo, as per BBC Sport.

"I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award," he added.

Ronaldo was not available to receive the award in the actual ceremony as he was with his Real teammates competing in a FIFA Club World Cup match in Japan, but the organizers were able to record his acceptance speech in advance, according to Sofa Score.

The Portuguese captain has been amazing all season and was the clear favorite to win it this year. He has scored 19 goals in 20 appearances for both club and country so far this season in addition to the 54 goals he made last term.

Ronaldo has outperformed Messi throughout this season, leading Real Madrid to the Champions League title and the Portugal national team to win this summer's Euros. Los Blancos is currently leading La Liga with a six-point lead over Barcelona in the Spanish top-flight table.

The Ballon d'Or, world football's most prestigious individual award, is given annually. This year, it is voted for by 173 journalists from all over the globe. In the previous years, the voting included footballers and coaches, but since the expiration of the partnership between France Football and FIFA, it was now decided solely by journalists.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann placed third in the count while Messi's Barça teammate Luis Suárez was fourth. Barcelona winger Neymar was fifth with Gareth Bale, Ronaldo's Real teammate, placing sixth.

TagsFootball, Football News, football news 2016, cristiano ronaldo, lionel messi, Ballon d'Or