Ronaldo leaves Messi in shade with 3rd Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, a nominee for the 2014 FIFA World Player of the Year, attends a news conference prior to the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Zurich January 12, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

ZURICH - Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or award following a shining and convincing performances in 2014, the Federation International de Football Association(FIFA)Monday night unveiled in Zurich.

The Real Madrid striker scored 61 goals in 60 games for his club last year, captaining the team to win the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the European Super Cup, as well as the Copa del Rey.

The 29-year-old Portuguese, who won the award in 2008 and 2013, defeated Barcelona's Lionel Mess and German goal-keeper Manuel Neuer, who helped Germany to win the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.