The Portuguese legend was honored by FIFA after becoming the all-time top scorer in international football history last year.

While Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on The Best FIFA Men's Player award, the iconic Portuguese attacker did enjoy yesterday's gala as he came away with a few memorable accolades.

Firstly, the soon-to-be 37-year-old was named in the 2021 FIFPro World 11 lineup, joining long-term rival Lionel Messi, 2021 Men's Player of the Year winner Robert Lewandowski, and Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland in attack.

However, it was his second achievement that was more significant. FIFA honored the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for becoming the all-time top scorer in international football history, with the Man United ace surpassing Ali Daei's long-standing record of 109 goals – Ronaldo is currently on 115.

As a result, world football's governing body handed CR7 the FIFA Special Best Award, honoring yet another record-breaking aspect of Cristiano's illustrious career. The Portuguese ace was all smile as he collected his prize, and rightfully so, having set an incredible feat with his national team.

Soon afterward, the former Real Madrid star took to social media to express his gratitude for this latest recognition, thanking his Portugal teammates throughout the year while labeling this win as the "pinnacle of my individual achievements". The striker wrote on Instagram: 

"Winning The FIFA Special Best Award is a tremendous honor and a huge privilege. The fact that such a relevant institution chose to recognize me as the Top Goalscorer in the history of FIFA competitions is, for me, the pinnacle of my individual achievements in representation of my beloved country.

"Now, it's up to me to turn this award into extra fuel and motivation to help achieving all our goals at Man. United for this season, as well as to the upcoming play-off matches in March, so that Portugal can be at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and we can all keep writing this amazing story together.

"Last but not least, a special word to all the tremendous players that represented Portugal by my side over the last two decades, and to all the international players that I faced so many times all around the globe. Your talent, your professionalism and your quality always contributed to make me a better player. Thank you!"

As Ronaldo mentioned, 2022 will be a crucial year as he is facing two difficult tasks both at club and international level. First, the iconic goalscorer must help his struggling Man Utd side qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, with the Red Devils currently sitting in seventh. Additionally, Portugal failed to secure automatic qualification for this year's FIFA World Cup, meaning they have to go through the playoffs. The Euro 2016 champions have been paired against Turkey in the playoffs semifinal and are facing a possible showdown with Italy in the final.