The Portuguese forward's phenomenal 2013 secured him the crown ahead of Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Barcelona's Lionel Messi...Congratulations Ronaldo
Report on the Award by MIRROR
Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or following a string of sensational performances in 2013.
The Portugal international skipper has held off strong claims from both Franck Ribery and four-time winner Lionel Messi to claim his second Golden Ball.
Ronaldo, 28, had previously won the award in 2008, during his time with Manchester United.
He went into the ceremony in Zurich as an astonishing best price 50-1 ON to claim the prize, following a stunning year with Los Blancos and the Portuguese national side.
He netted 66 goals in 56 games for club and country last year, including five hat-tricks, one of which came in Portugal's 4-2 (aggregate) World Cup Play-off win over Sweden, to ensure his country's place at this year's World Cup in Brazil.
Although rivals Ribery and Messi both emerged with their respective league titles to their name, Ronaldo was at the peak of his powers. Devastatingly quick, ferociously powerful and clinical in the final third, his individual star has shone brighter than any other's during the last 12 months.
He once again showed remarkable consistency in his relentless pursuit of perfection.
Jupp Heynckes was named FIFA men's football Coach of the Year, Silvia Neid winning the women's award. Pele was given an honorary award, and the Women's Ballon d'Or went to Nadine Angerer.
The FIFA XI of the year, meanwhile, was: Manuel Neuer, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Philipp Lahm, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Franck Ribery, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi.
Ibrahimovic won the Puskas Award for best goal, for his overhead kick against England.
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