Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is the club's heir to the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano.
Di Stefano is regarded as one of Real Madrid and football's all-time greats, starring for the Blancos between 1953 and 1964.
After picking up his fifth Ballon d'Or on Thursday, Perez believes Ronaldo can be mentioned right alongside the Argentine legend.
"For Real Madrid and all the Madridistas in the world, this fifth Ballon d'Or is an honour and a recognition for the best player in the world," Perez told L'Equipe TV following the ceremony.
"I think Cristiano Ronaldo has all the Real Madrid values; effort, respect and teamwork.
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"For me, he is the heir to Alfredo Di Stefano."
The 32-year-old netted 25 times in La Liga last term and added 12 goals in the Champions League, including a brace in the final against Juventus.
It's the second straight year Ronaldo has won the award presented by France Football, and he was also named the Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2016-17 in October.
Ronaldo also took home the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013, and 2014.
While Ronaldo has picked up where he left off last season in this year's Champions League, scoring in all six of Madrid's group-stage matches – a feat that had never been accomplished before, he hasn't matched that form in La Liga, netting just two times in 10 appearances.
Madrid face a massive clash with Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday before heading to the FIFA Club World Cup.