Cristiano Ronaldo defeated both Lionel Messi (runner-up) and Frank Ribery to clinch the 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or on an emotional night in Zurich on Tuesday. He gathered 1,365 points, securing his lead over Messi’s 1,205 and Ribery’s 1,127. It was the 28-year-old Portugal captain’s second title claim after trailing behind Messi as the runner-up for the past two years.

“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level, I have to thank - my wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved.” Ronaldo said with tears streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably during his speech, according to BBC.

Scoring 66 goals in 56 games last year, Ronaldo continued his consistent performance over the past years; years that have been unluckily buried under Messi’s godly dominance on the pitch. Ronaldo particularly impressed the world through single-handedly snatching a ticket to Brazil this summer for Portugal during the World Cup qualifying playoff against Ibrahimovic’s Sweden, in which he completed a hat-trick.

Ronaldo’s win also received praises and celebrations from the coaching staffs around the world.

“I think it’s really deserved, not just for this year but for all the work Cristiano Ronaldo has done for so many years. He’s worked hard to get better year after year. He’s just amazing,” said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has served as Ronaldo’s national team manager during his time in Portugal.

However, there were also questionable remarks made among the media outlets for some of the controversies that occurred during the voting period, including FIFA's deadline extension from November 15th to 29th, which allowed the voters to consider Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Sweden into their decision making. 

For the other awards, Brazilian legend Pele earned the Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur honoring his three World Cup wins. The Puskas Goal Award was given to Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his acrobatic bicycle kick from 20 meters away during an international friendly against England.

Reach Staff Writer Taiu Kunimoto here or follow him here.