Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Best Player in Europe by UEFA for the second time ahead of Antoine Griezmann and Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale.
Ronaldo was favourite for the award having led Real Madrid to their 11th Champions League win in 2015-16, scoring the winning penalty in a dramatic shootout against rivals Atletico Madrid.
The former Manchester United star then went on to win a first major international trophy as Portugal were crowed European champions after seeing off hosts France in the final of Euro 2016.
The 31-year-old previously won the award for the 2013-14 season and he joins Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in winning the honour on a second occasion.
It s a great honour and thanks to the journalists for voting for me! Ronaldo told UEFA.
My team-mates are the key they are the key every year. I work hard myself but without the help of my team-mates this would not be possible.
Thanks to my team-mates from Real Madrid and Portugal.
I have to mention Portugal because it was the first in their history. It was different because I ve won the Champions League three times. To win something with Portugal was the highlight of my career.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the 2015/16 in Europe!
Congratulations
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)
The award, which Messi won last year, is voted for by journalists from UEFA s member nations.
Messi was surprisingly not even placed in the top four this time around, the Argentine ranked fifth behind Barca team-mate Luis Suarez.
Gianluigi Buffon, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Pepe were the other players on the long list.