Beiruting News

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or for a second time.

The Real Madrid man, who has finished runner-up three times in the past four years since winning both the Ballon D'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008 (before the two trophies became one), beat off opposition from Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi, who has won the award for the past four years.

"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 has had an incredible year and been in outstanding form for club and country, breaking goal scoring records along the way.