Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo wins fourth Ballon d'Or

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates at the end of the Euro 2016 semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Wales. Photo / AP

Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded this year's Ballon d'Or, the fourth time is won the award in his career.

It caps off a career year for the Real Madrid and Portugal forward after claiming the European Championship and Champions League titles in 2016.

The annual FIFA award is presented to the game's best player. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Neymar rounded out the top five.

Ronaldo is now one short of Messi's record tally of five.

👏🏆⚽
Congratulations to @Cristiano on winning his fourth Ballon d'Or!#HalaMadrid #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/zEZScjRYaZ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 12, 2016

The 31-year-old, who was not there to collect the award in person due to Real Madrid's Club World Cup commitments, described his latest triumph as 'a dream come true.'

"I never imagined winning this trophy four times," he added. "I'm really happy and fulfilled.

"When it's the first time, the emotion is always special. But I I feel today like I did in 2008."

Ballon d'Or winners
2016 - Cristiano Ronaldo
2015 - Lionel Messi
2014 - Cristiano Ronaldo
2013 - Cristiano Ronaldo
2012 - Lionel Messi
2011 - Lionel Messi
2010 - Lionel Messi
2009 Lionel Messi
2008 Cristiano Ronaldo
2007 - Kaka

- With Daily Mail