Ronaldo wins 3rd FIFA Player of the Year award

ZURICH (AP) ― Cristiano Ronaldo hopes his third FIFA Player of the Year award brought him closer to being remembered as one of soccer’s all-time greats.

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.

“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.