Virgil van Dijk has finished runner-up behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or.
The Liverpool defender lost out to Messi, who claimed the award for a record-breaking sixth time in his career at Monday night’s ceremony in Paris.
Van Dijk previously scooped Player of the Year accolades from UEFA, the PFA and Premier League after an impressive opening 18 months at Anfield.
He becomes the third Reds player to be named in the Ballon d’Or’s top two following Michael Owen’s 2001 win and Kenny Dalglish’s runner-up spot in 1983.
“You need to respect greatness. I was close, but there was just someone a little bit better,” said Van Dijk.
“I’m very proud of what I achieved last year, with Liverpool and Holland. Hopefully we can do it again this year.
“I never thought I would be up for a Ballon d’Or until I was actually nominated. It says a lot about how my career has been, it has never been easy.
“I came late but I never gave up on my dreams. I had to work very hard every step of the way. Where I am right now is something I’m very proud of.
“To be here makes me very proud and makes me want to work even harder and hopefully be here next year again.”
Seven Liverpool players in total were included in the Ballon d’Or’s 30-man shortlist with Van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah made up the top five.
Alisson, who finished seventh, also won the inaugural Yashin Award given to the world’s outstanding goalkeeper.