Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match for the third place against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi January 3, 2015. Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo could not conceal his happiness after hearing his name as he was proclaimed the world's best player on Monday night in Zurich. Ronaldo received the 2014 Ballon d'Or for the second straight year over Lionel Messi, Barcelona's forward, and Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich's. To top a great night, he was greeted by the tennis superstar, Rafael Nadal, in Spanish, through a video message.

The Ballon d'Or award is considered FIFA's top individual honour. Since the declaration of the award, Ronaldo and Messi were constantly nominated and voted. In fact, the two have consistently and alternatively received the award. This year, it is Ronaldo's third time to receive the award throughout his career. On the other hand, Messi has received the award four times, from 2009-2012.

The votes between Messi and Neur are nearly tied down, where the former achieved 15.76 and the latter got 15.72. Even before Cristiano Ronaldo bagged the top individual honour, his fans sent him a video message during the ceremony containing Rafael Nadal's message for the Real Madrid's best player.

In the video message seen below, Rafael Nadal did not miss out to note how exemplary Ronaldo's performances were throughout his career. The tennis World No. 3 claimed that through those performances, he set a performance standard for athletes, both aspiring and professionals alike. Nadal included himself to be among these athletes who need to compete with the standards set by the world's best player.

The tennis superstar further wished Cristiano Ronaldo the best of luck that night. As Ronaldo was hoping that it is his name that will be called to take and receive the award, Nadal, on the other hand, was already sure that Ronaldo will get the 2014 Ballon d'Or basing on his great performances.

"I want to congratulate you on the year you've had. I consider your drive and desire to improve on a daily basis a fantastic example for the younger generations," the tennis superstar said.

YouTube/TiempoDeJuego

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