By Toby Prince
Cristiano Ronaldo has been presented with a record fourth Golden Shoe award in a ceremony on Tuesday, after scoring 48 goals in the 2014/15 season.
He collected the award, given to Europe’s highest goalscorer over a season, ahead of rival Lionel Messi, as the Barcelona forward managed a total of 43 goals, unable to secure a fourth Golden Boot of his own
It means Ronaldo becomes the first player in the awards’ illustrious 47-year history to win the accolade four times.
“What a special moment in my professional life!” the 30-year-old said on his official Facebook page.
“Winning four Golden Boots is a privilege for me and I’ll keep challenging myself because I want to do better every time and I want to keep chasing for more records.
“I have to thank everyone in Real Madrid that made this possible and we want to keep winning more titles and more trophies. Thank you everyone.”
The former Manchester United attacker has won the award on three previous occasions, twice while at current club Real Madrid and once when leading the forward line at Old Trafford during the 2007/08 season.
He was accompanied at the ceremony in Madrid by his mother, his son, Madrid coach Rafa Benitez, club president Florentino Perez and the Portuguese ambassador to Spain.
And speaking at the gala, Ronaldo revealed his hunger for further success was unrelenting, adding: “I never planned on winning four times. Maybe one or two yes but never four.
“I always want more. I know I am the only one to have four but I want more. That implies winning trophies with the world’s greatest club.
“This year will be no different and we want to win La Liga, the Cup and the Champions League. I hope we see each other again next year.”
The 30-year-old ended the last campaign without any silverware at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Messi’s Barcelona swept to an impressive treble, but the Portugal captain has again been recognised for his individual goalscoring exploits.
Ronaldo’s remarkable goalscoring record was recently commended by the Madrid club, with a ceremony dedicated to the forward overtaking club legend Raul as the all-time top goalscorer for Los Blancos and the latest Golden Shoe award only further recognises his achievements.
