Barcelona star Lionel Messi described his fourth Ballon d'Or as "unbelievable".
Only France's Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo have had their hands on the trophy three times.
Messi said: "To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words.
"I would like to recognise my other colleagues from Barcelona; Andres it has been great to train and play alongside you. I would also like to recognise my friends in the Argentina team, everyone that has worked with me, coaches and staff and my family and friends. Also my wife and son.
"I'm more interested in team awards than I am about what I might win individually. There have been years where we won more titles that have been better."