Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his fifth Ballon d'Or, equaling his arch-rival Messi’s record, who won the most recent of his five awards in 2015. The two greats now hold the record for clinching the prestigious title the most number of times.

Ronaldo had a terrific year, helping Real Madrid secure the La Liga title for first time since 2012 and a second consecutive UEFA Champions League win. He also played an instrumental role in Portugal’s successful 2018 World Cup qualification campaign. Real Madrid scored 15 goals, the second highest in the European qualifiers and fourth highest overall.

Ronaldo added the 2017 Ballon d'Or to those he won in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, and Messi is the only other recipient of the award since 2009.

Messi came second while his former teammate and Paris St Germain forward Neymar Jr came in third place.