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Ronaldo wins fourth Ballon d'Or

Xinhua, December 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named winner of the Ballon d'Or by France Football magazine for a fourth time on Monday.

The Real Madrid and Portugal striker beat out arch-rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona for the coveted award, alongside with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Ronaldo, who moves within one of Messi's record of five golden balls, was the overwhelming favorite after being voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

The 31-year-old has scored a total of 102 goals in 110 appearances for club and country throughout the calendar year, helping Real win the Champions League in May and Portugal triumph over hosts France for Euro 2016 in July.

Absent from Monday evening's ceremony in Paris, Ronaldo, who's currently on Club World Cup duty with Real in Japan, made his acceptance speech through a pre-recorded footage. Endit