Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has won his Ballon d'Or trophy. Photo: Getty ImagesPortugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the Ballon d'Or for world player of the year for a joint-record fifth time. Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola. Ronaldo, who this year also helped the national side qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year, won his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 while with Manchester United and collected it again in 2013, 2014 and 2016. The Ballon d'Or was first awarded in 1956 and was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 07, 2017 19:30 UTC