As 2016 draws to an end, we look back on Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-proclaimed “perfect year”. The 31-year-old Portuguese striker achieved a number of feats across different competitions and dazzled at both club and country level.

Champions League

Real Madrid won their record-extending 11th Champions League title in May with Cristiano Ronaldo as the competition’s top scorer with 16 goals. Ronaldo scored the winning spot-kick as his side beat Atletico Madrid 5-3 on penalties.

UEFA Euro

In July, Ronaldo lifted the Henri Delaunay Trophy as Portugal created history and became European champions for the first time.

2016 was the “perfect year”, says Cristiano Ronaldo

“Forget the individual trophies, the Champions League, this one right here is the happiest moment of my life,” said an emotional Ronaldo as Portugal tasted their first major success.

The skipper took home the Silver Boot as the joint second-highest goal scorer (3 goals; 3 assists), and was included in the Team of the Tournament.

He equalled Michel Platini’s record as the tournament’s all-time top scorer after scoring against Wales in his team’s 2-0 victory in the Semi-final.

The Portuguese star also became the first player to score in four different editions of the Euro, overtook Nuno Gomes as Portugal’s leading goal scorer in Euro history, set the record for playing the most number of matches at the Euros and became the first player to reach three European Championship Semi-Finals.

Ballon d’Or

On 12th December, Cristiano Ronaldo was declared the best player in the world and awarded the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time. He won the top accolade by a record margin of 429 votes ahead of second-placed Lionel Messi, with Antoine Griezmann coming third.

“For me it’s a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d’Or. The emotion is like the first one — it’s a dream come true again,” said the Portuguese forward.

Ronaldo first won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 following Premier League and Champions League success with Manchester United.

FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid picked up their second Club World Cup title, with a victory over the Japanese club Kashima Antlers. Ronaldo not only scored his 500th goal at club level in the Semi-Final against Club América but also starred in the Final with a hat-trick. He was the top scorer of the tournament with 4 goals and won the Golden Ball for Best Player as well.

“This is the trophy we really wanted to end the year in the best way possible,” the Portuguese star was quoted as saying.

Tags: 2016, Atletico Madrid, Ballon d'Or, Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid, UEFA Euro