Ronaldo named 2014 Ballon d’Or winner ahead of Messi and Neuer

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or prize for the second year running.

The Real Madrid forward beat fierce rival Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the award.

“I can see my mother, my family. I would like to thank all those who voted for me. My coach, my fellow player, the President of my club,” Ronaldo said, after being presented the gong by Thierry Henry.

“It’s been an unforgettable year. To win this trophy, a trophy of this kind, is something unique and all I can say is I want to continue working as I have so far, trying to go on to more titles – individual and as a team – for my mother, my father who is up there looking at there any my son.

“I want to get better as the days go by. I want to say to all the Portuguese that I never thought I could win this trophy on three different occasions. Of course it is something that is always with me, I want to become one of the greatest players of all time, and this requires a lot so I would like to thank you for all this evening.”

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