Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo wins his fifth Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo received his fifth Ballon d'Or in Paris on Thursday, the prize for the best player in the world organised by France Football. 

It was an open secret which was finally revealed at the Eiffel Tower, where Ronaldo was presented with the trophy. Champions of La Liga and the Champions League in 2016-17, he was joined on the podium by Lionel Messi, who has also won five Ballon d'Ors, and Neymar. 

The Portuguese forward has won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and now 2017. 

"I feel happy, in a good moment of my career," Ronaldo said. "It was a brilliant season in which we won the Champions League, La Liga... and on an individual level I was top scorer in the Champions League... and the trophies help to win these prizes. I'm thankful to my teammates at Madrid and Portugal." 

Ronaldo was accompanied by his mother and his son, who explained the "pride" they had in him. His mother said that "yes" she did see something special in him when he was a kid. The forward added that now he sees "something special in his son, but I don't want to put pressure on him because he's still very young." 

Madrid president Florentino Perez was also at the presentation and spoke in French: "I am really happy to be here because this fifth Ballon d'Or is an honour for Madrid fans all over the world in recongnition of the best player in the world. He has all of Madrid's valued: strength, respect, team work and solidarity."  

The president added: "For me, he's the most complete player after Alfredo Di Stefano. He is is heir and after him we've been able to build a great era at Real Madrid."