Ronaldo bested France’s Antoine Greizmann and long-time Barcelona rival Lionel Messi of Argentina for the honour.

“2016 was the best year of my career,” Ronaldo said after being handed the prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“It was a year that was magnificent at a personal level and at a sports level,” he added on the stage in Zurich.

The honour makes Ronaldo the first man to win the FIFA “Best” men’s player distinction.

World football’s governing body has launched the new award series after ending its six-year collaboration with France Football magazine for the Ballon d’Or.

And there are five very simple reasons why Ronaldo won the 2016 World Player of the Year gong as you can see below…

1. Champions League winner

2. Euro 2016 winner

3. UEFA Super Cup winner

4. Club World Cup winner

5. Ballon d’Or winner