LISBON, Jan. 12  -- The Portuguese authorities congratulated Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo on being awarded the Ballon d'or award for the third time on Monday.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'or award on Monday at a ceremony in Zurich, beating Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "It has been an unforgettable year," he told the crowd after his victory was read out.

Ronaldo won the award for the second straight year. He had also won the award in 2008.

He earned 37.66 per cent of votes on Monday, while Messi got 15.76 and Neuer 15.72.

"This prize is the recognition of his exceptional sport level, the determination and dedication he has showed throughout his career as a footballer," said Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, in a note published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.

"Contributing to the enhancement of sport in Portugal and to the international projection of our country, this important trophy adds to the extend and relevant number of awards he has received as a footballer, both at home and abroad."

The president added that the 29-year-old was now part of a "restricted number" of footballers internationally who had won the award for the third time.

Leader of main opposition party, the Socialist Party, told Portuguese news agency Lusa that Ronaldo was a symbol of "capacity to overcome problems, effort and tenacity" and that he was delighted to see he had "broke all imaginable records."

Portugal's Minister of the Presidency and of Parliamentary Affairs Luis Marques Guedes, who supervises sport, said the prize "fits him like a glove," also in a note sent to Lusa. He thanked Ronaldo for his "work, talent, quality and merit" and said the award was a source of pride for the Portuguese.

Ronaldo broke a record in last season's Champions League scoring 17 goals and helped his club Real Madrid clinch its 10th title.