Cristiano Ronaldo named Best Player in Europe

"Of course, I feel happy because it was an unbelievable season. 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," Ronaldo said after winning the award, reported ESPN.

The Portuguese star guided his team to their maiden European Championship triumph and also played a key role in his club's Champions League win last season. He scored a total of 51 goals in league and in Europe for Real Madrid, along with the winning penalty for Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League.

The 10-man shortlist was reduced to Ronaldo, Bale, and Griezmann by the governing body and journalists from 55 of the UEFA's member associations voted for the award. Ronaldo became the second player after Lionel Messi to win the award twice, with Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery lifting it once each.

Norway striker Ada Hegerberg was presented the Best Women’s Player in Europe award.