BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Wins The 2016 Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially won the 2016 Ballon d'Or for the fourth time.

The Real Madrid superstar was widely speculated to be the winner of the coveted award following his role in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League triumph, as well as his contributions for Portugal as Ronaldo helped his side win Euro 2016 in what is his first trophy with the national team.

Many had expected CR7 to pick up the award after his strong season but also because of a 'leaked' France Football front-page that had Ronaldo adorning the cover, trophy in hand.

Ronaldo scored an incredible 51 goals in all competitions for Real last season and his fine form has been marked with yet another Ballon d'Or, which takes him just one behind arch-rival Lionel Messi, who finished as runner up.

Antoine Griezmann can be considered to be the third best player in 2016 and he finished in third place in the Ballon d'Or award.

Do you think Ronaldo deserved to pick up the Ballon d'Or this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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