Cristiano Ronaldo named UEFA Best Player of Europe

Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA Best Player of Europe following the Champions League draw ceremony on Thursday, ESPN reports.

European football's governing body whittled a shortlist of 10 down to Real Madrid duo Gareth Bale and Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann. 

Ronaldo, who won after the 2013-14 season, joined Barcelona star Lionel Messi as the second player to win the award twice.

Ronaldo captained Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, when he was taken off injured during the final, and scored the winning shootout penalty for Real Madrid as they won the Champions League for an 11th time.

"Of course, I feel happy because it was an unbelievable season," Ronaldo said. "But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention these two amazing players [Bale and Griezmann]. Griezmann, I am sorry for your loss to Portugal in the final, but you are an amazing player. It was an unbelievable season."