The Portuguese international captain has now won the award issued by France Football on four occasions since 2008, and now stands second on the list of most winners, with Messi having collected five trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Euro 2016 with Portugal and the Champions League with Real Madrid, ended ahead of Messi, France’s Antoine Griezman and Barcelona’s Luis Suarez.
After winning the award, Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted: “So happy and glad to win. Thanks Real Madrid and the Portugal national team. Amazing year. Simmmmmmm!”
In a video feed from Japan, the Portugal captain added: “I never thought in my mind of winning the Golden Ball four times, so I am so pleased and so happy.
“I have the opportunity to thank all of my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all of the people and players who helped me to win this individual award.
“As you can imagine I feel so proud and happy to receive this amazing and beautiful ball, I am so happy.”
Two other Portuguese players made it onto the final list, with Real Madrid defender Pepe coming in at seventh while Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patrício was placed 12th on the illustrious list of current footballing greats.