Ronaldo brands wildly successful 2016 'a dream year'

Not even the uber-confident Cristiano Ronaldo expected 2016 to go so well.

After winning the Champions League, European Championship, and Ballon d'Or this year, the 31-year-old megastar closed out the calendar year with another memorable performance, netting a hat trick to lead Real Madrid to the Club World Cup title Sunday in Yokohama.

Related - Watch: Ronaldo caps off remarkable year with Club World Cup hat-trick

Speaking after the 4-2 extra-time win over Japanese side Kashima Antlers, Ronaldo reflected on an unprecedented, trophy-laden 12-month spell.

"It has been an impressive year, a dream year. I did not expect to win all this. Three goals in a final, another trophy with Real Madrid - I am very happy," he told TV Espana, as quoted by ESPN.

"There is always more expected of Cristiano, and I always try to do it."

Just as he did after capturing his fourth career Ballon d'Or earlier this month, the free-scoring Ronaldo was full of praise for the teammates that helped make the special year possible.

"I must thank all my teammates, as without them I would not have won the personal trophies I have won."

"We wanted this trophy a lot, and have ended the year in the best way. We are very happy."