Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or, landing the world's best footballer award for a third time.

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The 29-year-old, who picked up the award last season ahead of Lionel Messi, again beat the Argentine to the accolade, in addition to fellow finalist Manuel Neuer.

Ronaldo featured for Portugal at the 2014 World Cup and netted five times in nine games for his country last year – in addition to becoming their all-time leading scorer - but it was his performances for Real Madrid that drew the most attention.

The attacker scored 52 goals in 43 games in 2014, in addition to providing 17 assists.

His performances were key in securing Real Madrid their 10th European Cup, while Los Blancos also won the Copa del Rey and Club World Cup in 2014.

During Real Madrid's European triumph, Ronaldo scored a competition-record 17 goals, including one in the final against Atletico Madrid.

The former Manchester United attacker also became the fastest player to score 200 La Liga goals in December 2014 when he netted a hat-trick against Celta Vigo in his 178th league match for the Spanish outfit.

Ronaldo was also named in the FIFPro World XI at the ceremony in Zurich.