It’s Cristiano Ronaldo: Big goals and big titles make Ballon d’Or choice a no-brainer

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have made the Ballon d’Or their own personal tug of war and on Monday the title for the world’s best player swung back the Portuguese star’s way as he claimed the award for the fourth time.

A hoarder of personal records and awards, it is Ronaldo’s reward for being on the winning side in the Champions League with Real Madrid and captaining Portugal to a first international trophy at Euro 2016.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo named the 2016 Ballon d’Or winner

Messi was second best as a league and cup double with Barcelona failed to mask Champions League disappointment and a third straight major final defeat with Argentina at the Copa America.

Ronaldo, 31, described Portugal’s surprise victory over hosts France in the final of the Euros as “the happiest moment” of his life despite a bittersweet ending to his tournament as he limped off in tears with knee ligament damage just 25 minutes into the final.

Whilst he never tires of showing off his impressive physique, the first signs of his body breaking down under the strain of his own relentless demands made Ronaldo’s achievements over the past 12 months all the more impressive.

He had two prolonged spells on the sidelines in spring and autumn, but still struck 50 goals for club and country for the sixth successive calendar year.

Three of them came at Euro 2016 where, if not prolific, Ronaldo still came to his country’s rescue in their hour of need.