Ronaldo's best five strikes en route to Ballon d'Or glory

31-year-old became world's best player for the fourth time in his illustrious career

KARACHI: Real Madrid and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, by winning the Ballon d’Or on Monday, surpassed the likes of Johan Cyruff, Michel Platini and Marco Van Basten to become the only player from Europe to win the coveted prize four times.

In reaching that milestone, the 31-year-old scored an astonishing 51 goals in 55 matches for his club and 16 more for his country as he played a crucial role in helping Real and Portugal win two major trophies in the calendar year.

The Express Tribune brings you the list of the top five goals from Ronaldo, four of which he netted for Real Madrid and one for Portugal during Euro 2016.

1- Against Espanyol

Once, twice, GOAL!

First in the list of the best goals from Ronaldo features a spectacular double overstep dribble against Espanyol, followed by a thunderous strike in the top right corner.

2- Against Hungary

How Ronaldo scores under pressure

Second in the list features Ronaldo’s brilliant back-heel in the all-important group match against Hungry. The eventual European champions were in danger of going out of the tournament, but the 31-year-old stood up against one of the tournament minnows and scored two crucial goals to help his side avoid crashing out.

3- Against Barcelona

Wait for it

Third in the list features Ronaldo’s crucial goal against Barcelona in the second El Clasico of the 2015-16 season. Los Blancos, who were down to 10-men, were given a lifeline by Ronaldo in the dying moments of the match when he brilliantly controlled Gareth Bale’s cross on his chest and smashed the ball between goalkeeper Claudio Bravo’s legs to score the winner.

4- Against Real Sociedad

How did it go in?

Fourth in the list features Ronaldo’s amazing shot in the bottom right corner as he caught the corner delivery beautifully on the volley and struck a stunning shot beyond Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Rulli in the 67th minute.

5- Against Sporting Gijon

That was a spinaroonie

Last in the list features Ronaldo’s blistering strike against Sporting Gijon, where he cleanly struck the ball first time from Karim Benzema’s pass in the top right corner.