The Portuguese forward, who led Real Madrid to its record 10th European title, received 37.66 percent of votes of national team coaches and captains and selected media to add to the FIFA awards he won in 2008 and 2013. He matched Zinedine Zidane and
"I want to become one of the greatest players of all time," Ronaldo said through a translator during Monday night's acceptance speech. "Of course, this requires a lot of effort and I hope to get there."
Messi, the Argentine star forward on Barcelona, was second in voting with 15.76 percent, just ahead of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (15.72), who helped Germany to the World Cup title. Ronaldo scored 61 goals last year for club and country, and set a Champions League season record with 17. On hearing his name read out by French great Thierry Henry, the 29-year-old Ronaldo closed his eyes, dipped his head and smiled before walking to the stage.
"It has been an unforgettable year," Ronaldo said after taking a deep breath. Messi won the award four straight times from 2009-12. While Messi's Argentina lost in the World Cup final, Ronaldo's Portugal was eliminated in the first round. Ronaldo's Real Madrid also won Spain's Copa del Rey.
"It's a fantastic moment in my career," Ronaldo said after the FIFA ceremony. "I want to carry on with more titles in my career, collective and individual." U.S. captain Clint Dempsey voted Ronaldo first, followed by Messi and German midfielder Thomas Mueller. American coach Jurgen Klinsmann a former star and coach for Germany had Neuer first, followed by Messi and Dutch forward Arjen Robben. Paul Kennedy of Soccer America, the U.S. media representative, voted Ronaldo first, followed by Messi and German defender-midfielder Philipp Lahm.
The FIFA men's award merged in 2010 with France Football's Golden Ball, given to the European player of the year.