The 31-year-old is currently one behind Barcelona's Messi, who took the respect for a fifth time a year ago.
Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann completed third in the vote. Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win last season's Champions League and scored three objectives as Portugal won Euro 2016.
He has now won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, with Messi the main other beneficiary of the honor since winning it without precedent for 2009.
"I never thought in my mind that I would win the Golden Ball four circumstances. I am satisfied. I feel so glad and happy," said Ronaldo.
"I have the chance to thank the majority of my partners, the national group, Real Madrid, the majority of the general population and players who helped me to win this individual honor."
The previous Manchester United forward has scored 19 objectives in 20 recreations for club and nation this term, to add to the 54 he got last season.
Ronaldo's Real Madrid partner Gareth Bale completed 6th in the vote, while Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy - the main Englishman included on the 30-player waitlist - was eighth.
The Ballon d'Or is voted in favor of by 173 columnists from around the globe. It has been granted by France Football consistently since 1956, however for as far back as six years it turned into the Fifa Ballon d'Or in relationship with world football's representing body and was granted to the world's best player.
In any case, Fifa finished its relationship with the honor in September. Fifa will pass out its own prize for the world's best men's player, alongside the best women's' player and group of the year, at the Best Fifa Football Awards service in Zurich on 9 January.
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