Why I’m the best in the world

London : Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is the best player in the world because he proves himself “year after year” with Real Madrid and Portugal.

Speaking after winning Portugal’s Best Player of 2017 - to go with the fifth Ballon d’Or which equalled Lionel Messi’s haul - Ronaldo, 33, said he was determined to succeed for his children.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 46 games in 2016/17, helping Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League. He has netted 37 goals in 35 games so far this term to help Los Blancos reach the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Juventus next month.

“I am grateful for this award to all those who are here, it is also an award for all my colleagues; 2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable both collectively and individually,” said Ronaldo, who beat Rui Patricio of Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.

“I also won my fifth Ballon d’Or and my second The Best award. I also dedicate it to my four children. That’s another record – three children in three months.

“We have to defend what is ours because there is always a Portuguese in the fight.

“I always believe and say that I am the best, whatever they say, and then I show it in the field. We are in the fight year after year.”