Four of the most recognisable golden balls in world football will be sat on Cristiano Roanldo’s mantelpiece. Or, more accurately, perched inside an oak- panelled cabinet in his own personal museum.
Only one man has won the trophy more times…You guessed it. Lionel Messi.
The Barcelona superstar first lifted that 12kg ball of gold-covered brass in 2009, going on to strike the same pose in front of the flashbulbs in each of the next three years.
After loaning the trophy to Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013 and 2014, the Argentina forward took it back last year.
Ronaldo has now won the award more than any other European player having already claimed it in 2008, 2013 and 2014.
Ronaldo moves above three-time winners Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974) and Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992).
Ronaldo did not quite have the impact in Real Madrid’s Champions League final against city rivals Atletico he might have liked.
But in true Ronaldo fashion he was on hand to take centre stage and provide the memorable moment.
The forward scored the winning penalty in the San Siro shootout to seal Real’s 11th European Cup.
As well as his domestic achievements with Real Madrid, Ronaldo managed to fulfill a career ambition by captaining Portugal to their first silverware at a major international tournament.
Ronaldo might have limped out of Portugal’s European Championship final against France through injury after 25 minutes in tears, but they became tears of joy when he went on to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy.
His three goals at France 2016 also saw him become the European Championship finals all-time leading goalscorer alongside France legend Michel Platini with nine.
He also became Portugal’s most capped player during the competition – overtaking Luis Figo’s haul of 127 appearances.
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