Ballon d’Or 2017: Reactions as Cristiano Ronaldo claims fifth award

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the Ballon d’Or winner for 2017 by France Football. It’s the fifth time Ronaldo will be taking home the coveted award, as he draws level with rival, Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

Ronaldo has previously won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

The 32-year-old Portuguese, who had a brilliant year for club and country, beat off competition from Messi, Neymar, Gianluigi Buffon and Luka Modric to emerge as 2017 winner.

“Of course I feel happy. This is something I look forward to every year,” Ronaldo said at the event held at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Football fans around the world took to their social media accounts to react as Ronaldo drew level with Messi, having been way behind the Argentine at some point.

Here are some of the best reactions;

https://twitter.com/TODAYDigest/status/938878046542680064

The Portugal international scored a total of 49 goals in all competitions for Real and Portugal, and also became the first player in Champions League history to score in each of his club’s group-stage matches.

Ronaldo also won the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid.