Cristiano Ronaldo has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the fourth time.

Ronaldo has had a successful year, winning the Champions League with club Real Madrid and scoring three goals as Portugal won Euro 2016.

Ronaldo, who also won in 2008, 2013 and 2014, is now one short of Lionel Messi's record tally of five awards.

"For me it's a great honour to receive my fourth golden ball" said Ronaldo.

"The emotion is like for the first one, it's a dream come true again. I never thought in my mind to win four times. I'm so happy.

"I take the opportunity to thank all my team mates, from the national team and for Real Madrid. I feel so proud and happy."

The Ballon d'Or, which merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year award from 2010-2015, returned to France Football magazine this year.

It is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale was voted in sixth place while Leicester City's striker Jamie Vardy finished in eighth.