Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or prize in a ceremony in Zurich, beating Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich's treble winning midfielder Franck Ribery to win the world player of the year award.

The Portuguese international won this award for the second time, before winning Ballon d'Or in 2008 with his former club Manchester United. The Spanish club forward's latest personal achievement also saw him end Messi's dominance, who had previously won the prestigious individual award for four years in a row.

Ronaldo was in tears after the Brazilian legend Pele announced his name, while he took the opportunity to thank his club and national team for their support.

"I have no words to describe this moment. Thanks to all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award," Ronaldo explained.

"Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My partner, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment," he added.

Ronaldo received wishes from current and former players, while celebrities and his fans took to social networking site Twitter to congratulate him on winning the world player of the year award.

Congratulations to @Cristiano on
2nd Ballon d'Or !!! The guy is a machine, phenomenal and full deserved #BallondOr

— Michael Carrick (@carras16) January 13, 2014

Congratulations Ronaldo on winning The European Player of The Year award. #BallondOr

— michael owen (@themichaelowen) January 13, 2014

Last night was a fantastic & very emotional evening at the #BallondOr. Congratulations once again to all the winners. pic.twitter.com/oNFMPRyCbf

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) January 14, 2014

Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo for winning the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or award. #ballondor

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 13, 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or with 27.99% of the vote. Messi gets 24.72% and Ribéry 23.36%. #fcblive #BallondOr

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2014

Well done @Cristiano on ya 2nd BallondOr....well deserved. Hard work pays off 100%. All them hours I spent showing u how to shoot etc!

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 13, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi