Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned the FIFA World Player of the Year for the second time, breaking the stranglehold of his great adversary Lionel Messi.

The Real Madrid superstar saw off competition from Barcelona’s Messi and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or.

An emotional Ronaldo walked onto the stage to collect his award with his son Cristiano and couldn't hold back the tears as he was presented with the trophy.

The 28-year-old was honoured after scoring 66 goals in 56 appearances for club and country Portugal in 2013 as he finally reclaimed the trophy he last held in 2008.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or and been named the greatest football player in the world

Though Ronaldo did not win any major trophies in 2013, he did score all four goals as Portugal beat Sweden in the World Cup play-offs to secure their place in Brazil this summer.

'There are no words to describe this moment,' Ronaldo said, wiping away tears.

'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.'

Barcelona President Sandro Rosell congratulated him on Twitter, saying: 'Congratulations Cristiano Ronaldo for winning the Ballon d'Or. And thank you Leo for making 2013 unforgettable.' 

Ronaldo also revealed Rio Ferdinand tried to persuade him to rejoin Manchester United in the summer. ‘It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot to try and make me come back to United,’ he said. ‘I did think about United — they are still in my heart.’

(Source: Daily mail)