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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo trumped his greatest adversaries of all times — Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi — to cinch the FIFA World Player of the Year for the second time, after 2008 at the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or in Zurich on Monday.
But it wasn't a cakewalk for the Portugal star who saw off cut-throat competition from Barcelona's Messi and Bayern Munich's Franck Robery to claim the coveted Ballon d'Or. Interestingly, it's Messi who had been walking away with the top honor for the past 4 years.
A tearful Ronaldo walked onto the stage with his son in tow to receive his trophy. 'There are no words to describe this moment,' said the overwhelmed player.
'I want to thank all my colleagues and companions at Real Madrid, in the Portuguese team and my family who are here with me. Those who know me, know that many people help me: my manager, our President, and i don't want to forget to mention Eusebio. My girlfriend and my son too. I am deeply moved,' he added.
The 28-year-old soccer star scored 66 goals in 56 appearances for club and country in 2013, a stupendous feat that got him the player of the year recognition.
