Ronaldo, 31, received the accolade for the second time in his career after finishing ahead of Real team-mate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
“I’m obviously delighted to receive this award, it’s been an incredible season. But these two other players deserve it as well,” said Ronaldo, who also won the prize in 2013-14.
Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick as Real claimed a record 11th European Cup title, beating city rivals Atletico on penalties in May, before leading his country to Euro 2016 glory.
No1 in Europe ๐#UEFABestPlayer pic.twitter.com/B4U4AKDwmb
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 25, 2016
๐โ๏ธ๐
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 25, 2016
Congratulations to @Cristiano, winner of the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 2015/16!!!#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/p97NwnbAIP
A moment to savour for @AdaStolsmo ๐#UEFABestPlayer pic.twitter.com/aTt8I6cWGN
— UEFA Women's CL (@UWCL) August 25, 2016
.@Cristiano #Ronaldo wins Best Player in Europe award (and then trolls @AntoGriezmann) ๐ โฝ๏ธ #CR7 pic.twitter.com/iGclX0qnf2
— Onefootball (@Onefootball) August 25, 2016
16 - Cristiano Ronaldo (16) scored more goals in the Champions League last season than 26 teams netted in total. Menace. #UEFABestPlayer
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 25, 2016
.@Cristiano speaks after picking up his #UEFABestPlayer award! #beINUCL https://t.co/4RjMM4npVO
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 25, 2016