Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo secured his fourth Ballon d'Or title Monday, beating old rival Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the title of world's best footballer in 2016.

The most important title for a football player crowned a very successful year for the 31-year-old Portuguese winger, who captained his country's national team to their first major international achievement at the recent European Championships in France.

He also scored the winning penalty as Real Madrid defeated city rival Atletico Madrid to win the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three seasons in May.

Ronaldo has now won just one less Ballon d'Or than 2015 winner Messi.

Source: MENA