Cristiano Ronaldo has been named UEFA Men's Player of the Year 3 times. He won the award for the 2013–14, 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons.
The award was originally called the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award before adopting its current name. UEFA created it in 2011, and it recognises the outstanding player in European club and national-team competition from the previous season.
Ronaldo's first win came after he helped Real Madrid win the 2013–14 Champions League, scoring a record 17 goals in the competition. He won again after Real Madrid's 2015–16 Champions League triumph, then completed a run of consecutive victories in 2016–17.
Three wins make Ronaldo the award's most successful player. Lionel Messi has won it twice. Ronaldo's total is separate from his Ballon d'Or victories and FIFA awards, which are often combined with it in casual discussions.