How footballers welcomed 2016

With 2016 having arrived with a bang, the world's star footballers were out in force to wave goodbye to 2015 and usher in the New Year in style.

From Cristiano Ronaldo's heartfelt message to his Instagram followers to yet more fireworks from AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli,  let’s look at the best of the New Year celebrations from football's leading stars in its brilliant galaxy.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

NEYMAR

ALEXIS SANCHEZ

MARIO BALOTELLI

GARETH BALE

ROMELU LUKAKU

EDEN HAZARD

DAVID BECKHAM

THEO WALCOTT

MARIO GOTZE