Cristiano Ronaldo emerges 2016 FIFA World Player of the year (Photos)

Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday night defeated Barcelona/Argentina player Lionel Messi and France/Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to be crowned the 2016 FIFA Best Player of the year, the first award of its kind organized by FIFA.

He's had an amazing year, winning the Euro Cup, UEFA Champions League, Club World Cup, his 4th Ballon D'or award, broken so many records for club and country (highest goalscorer of all time for both) and was today given the prestigious award crafted by FIFA after their separation from France Football's Ballon D'or Award. Lionel Messi didn't attend the showpiece event.