Cristiano Ronaldo won the coveted Ballon d’Or award for the fourth time on Monday. “A great honour to receive my fourth golden ball. The emotion is like the first one. It’s the dream come true again,” said Ronaldo as he thanked his teammates from the Portugal national team as well as Real Madrid.

Barcelona attacking mid-fielder Lionel Messi finished second this time while Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann took the third spot. A panel of 173 international journalists handpicked by Paris-based France Football magazine chose Ronaldo from 30 players, reported AFP. This year the award was handed out by the magazine, separately from FIFA, during a ceremony held in Zurich.

Ronaldo had won this award in 2008, 2013 and 2014. With his fourth golden ball, Ronaldo surpassed three‑time winners Marco van Basten, Michel Platini and the late Johan Cruyff. However, he is still one short of Messi’s record tally of five Ballon d’Or awards.

Before bagging the award, Ronaldo had, this year, steered Portugal to win the European Championship title. Real Madrid also picked up the Champions League trophy, thanks to his crucial role. He is now eyeing FIFA’s prize along with Messi and Griezmann. “This was likely the best year of my career, individually and collectively,” Ronaldo said.