Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo on Ballon d'Or win... while Portugal legend Luis Figo also praises his compatriot after Euro 2016 triumph

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been congratulated by his former clubs, Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, after winning his fourth Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo was widely-expected to win football's top individual prize after helping both Real Madrid and Portugal to major silverware this year.

The 31-year-old was announced as this year's winner, ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi, at an awards ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was named as this year's Ballon d'Or winner on Monday

Manchester United quickly took to Twitter to congratulate their former player on his win

Both Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon were quick to congratulate their former player on his latest achievement.

Manchester United's official Twitter account posted a picture of Ronaldo holding the Ballon d'Or alongside the caption: 'Congratulations to @CristianoRonaldo... Ballon d'Or winner for an incredible fourth time.'

Sporting Lisbon, the club where Ronaldo began his career, said: 'Congratulations @Cristiano! This is the result of much effort, DEDICATION, DEVOTION and a well-deserved GLORY!'

Ronaldo is now one win behind rival Lionel Messi, who holds the record with five Ballon d'Ors

Sporting Lisbon, the club where Ronaldo began his career, also praised the striker on Twitter

Journalists from across Europe awarded Ronaldo his fourth Ballon d'Or in recognition of his remarkable year for club and country.

The Real Madrid star helped his club win the Champions League last season before captaining Portugal to a shock triumph at Euro 2016 in France.

Portugal and Madrid legend Luis Figo was among a number of star names who took to social media to praise this year's winner.

'Congratulations for the four ballon d'Or @Cristiano,' he said.

Former Portugal captain Luis Figo congratulated his compatriot on winning his fourth title

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also praised Ronaldo's achievements

Ronaldo's former team-mate at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, also posted a heartfelt message the Portuguese striker on Twitter. 

He said: 'When we at @manchesterunited saw this guy we all knew he would become the best in the world...but 4 times is taking liberties!

'Natural ability, talent, fearless, confidence, but his work ethic & desire i have not seen matched anywhere else in any footballer.

'Hard work beats talent in the long run, this lucky guy got both in large portions!'