Ronaldo Beats Messi to the 2016 Goal 50 Award

Ronaldo Beats Messi to the 2016 Goal 50 Award

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the recipient of the 2016 Goal 50 award, scooping the accolade for the fourth time in his career.

The 31-year-old, who this year lifted the Champions League with Real and captained Portugal to success at Euro 2016, succeeds Barcelona’s Leo Messi as the winner.

The Goal 50 is an annual prize that ranks the top 50 players in the world over the past 12 months, voted for by the writers of Goal.com’s 38 global editions.

Reports of the 31-year-old’s decline proved greatly exaggerated, with the Madeira native enjoying the most successful season of his career – at least trophy-wise. Ronaldo struck a whopping 51 club goals in all competitions last term – and top-scored once again with 16 strikes as Real won the Champions League in May. Just over six weeks later, he cemented his status as an all-time great by claiming the first major title of his international career thanks to Portugal’s stunning triumph at Euro 2016. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo – the winner of the 2016 Goal 50!

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Suárez and Griezmann complete podium

Messi came fourth, one ahead of Real’s Gareth Bale in fifth, with Barça’s Luis Suárez second and Atlético Madrid’s France star Antoine Griezmann third.

“For me it is an honour to receive this recognition,” said Cristiano, who on Monday signed a new Madrid contract tying him to the Bernabéu side until 2021.

“It is not just for me but for all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and my national team,” added the ex-Manchester United man. “I feel very happy and proud.”

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