Cristiano Ronaldo captures 2nd consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or

FIFA, for once, made the right decision. It is possible, apparently.

For a second consecutive year, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the best player on the planet.

The Real Madrid superstar retained his title as the world's greatest footballer Monday, winning the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or at the governing body's annual gala in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Ronaldo, who has now claimed player of the year honours on three occasions - one coming prior to the award's association with FIFA in 2010 - beat out Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the golden hardware.

How much did it mean to him? Have a look:

The Portuguese phenom, 29, continued to redefine what it means to be an elite attacker in 2014, finding the net 61 times and adding 21 assists in 60 matches for both club and country. He scored more than one goal per game, which is an unthinkable number. Try to think about it, it doesn't even make sense.

Despite a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended in the group stage - and UEFA president Michel Platini's insistence that the award should go to a member of the team that won the World Cup - Ronaldo's year was highlighted by a major team accomplishment.

The attacking colossus led his club to a historic 10th Champions League title in 2014, setting a new tournament record with 17 goals along the way.

His competition Monday was stiff, which only highlights the enormity of the achievement. 

Despite having a year many considered disappointing, Messi was utterly brilliant in 2014, scoring 58 goals in 66 matches (for club and country). Anybody arguing otherwise is, simply, wrong. 

Neuer was outstanding, and is the best goalkeeper in the world - bar none. Germany would not have captured the World Cup title without him, nor would Bayern Munich be so dominant with another man between the posts.

But Cristiano Ronaldo was in a world of his own last year, and he has been rightfully rewarded. Congratulations, Cristiano: one of the best players of all time, and the very best in 2014.