Topics: FIFA, Ballon D'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer
After much debate and opinions, CR7 won the award over Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer. The player thanked his family, coaches and team-mates for helping him win this trophy for the third time.

After much controversy, Cristiano Ronaldo won his second consecutive Ballon D'Or over Lionel Messi and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Portuguese collected his third award overall, and proved that his actions with Real Madrid were enough to hoist him as the Best Player of the World despite a not so brilliant performance with his National Team in Brazil.

Ronaldo proved to be very useful for Real Madrid, leading Los Blancos to win their tenth Champions League title in 2014, breaking the record for most goals in a single European tournament. Ronaldo also was key to Real Madrid's win in the Copa del Rey, where they beat long-time rival Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player ever to win the Ballon D'Or in consecutive years while playing for the Spanish club.

"I would like to thank all those who voted for me. My coach, my fellow players, the president, the club, Real Madrid. It's been an unforgettable year," Ronaldo stated after holding his breath for a moment.

"To win a trophy of this kind is something unique.  I want to continue working this way, as I've always done. I want to try to improve and become better as each day goes by" the striker added. 

"I would like to tell all Portuguese that I would never have thought to win this trophy on three different occasion. Of course, it's something that I have always said. I want to become the greatest player of all time. I wish everyone well," he added before celebrating.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stats (via BBC Sport)

The player's election raised comments all over the world. Read some of them below!