Ballon d'Or hat-trick for Ronaldo

Madrid's superstar striker voted world's best for third time

Portugal and Real Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his third FIFA world player of the year award on Monday in an overwhelming win over eternal rival Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Argentine magician.

The 29-year-old Ronaldo - who played a key role in Real Madrid's charge to a 10th Champions League trophy - beat four-time winner Messi to the Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.