Ronaldo thanks teammates, calls Ballon d'Or triumph 'huge honour'

Cristiano Ronaldo, true to form, highlighted his own hard work and commitment as key factors in helping him win a fourth career Ballon d'Or on Monday, but also saved special praise for his teammates - at both club and international level - who played massive roles in the attacker enjoying the most successful year of his career.

Related: Ronaldo edges Messi to capture 4th Ballon d'Or of his career

Ronaldo tasted Champions League and European Championship glory in 2016 with Real Madrid and Portugal, respectively, and while he knows his own worth, the influence of his peers is not lost on the 31-year-old.

"It is a special moment. It means that all my sacrifice was worth it. I feel very happy to win this. I worked very hard," Ronaldo said, according to ESPNFC.

"A lot of people helped me get here, and it is not easy to get here. You can count on one hand players who maintain this level year after year. I am one of them, and that is a source of pride for me."

He's not wrong.

Ronaldo is now the only European player to win the coveted individual honour four times, surpassing Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten, each of whom took home the prize three times.

Only Lionel Messi has been presented with the prestigious golden spheroid more times than Ronaldo; the Argentine sits atop the list, having won the award on five occasions.

"This has been the best year of my career from both a team and individual level," Ronaldo continued. "To win the title for Portugal was what was left to achieve on my resume and it was one of the most important moments. But to win Champions League as well with Real Madrid was huge.

"It is a huge honour to win the Ballon d'Or. I am very happy. This is a dream come true and it is the fourth time. I feel very proud. This win is for my teammates in both the club and the national team. It is incredible to earn this trophy again."