Cristiano Ronaldo wins his fourth Ballon d'Or, beats Lionel Messi

Ronaldo after scoring a goal in Spain's La Liga competition (Getty image)
Ronaldo after scoring a goal in Spain's La Liga competition (Getty image)

Cristiano Ronaldo has been rated as the world's best football player yet again, winning his fourth Ballon d'Or.

The 31-year-old beat out fierce rival Barcelona's Lionel Messi as well as Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

Ronaldo won the accolade last in 2014 and his four Ballon d'Or awards are only surpassed by Messi who has won it five times.

The win caps off a stunning year for Ronaldo who led his club team Real Madrid to Champions League glory as well as his national team Portugal to the European Championship title.

The winger currently has 51 goals for club and country in 2016.

Real Madrid are currently preparing to take on Club America in the semifinals of the Club World Cup in Japan.

Newshub.