Ronaldo named FIFPro World Player of the Year

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFPro World Player of the Year yesterday.

"To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing," the 23-year-old Portugal player, who helped his club to a Premier League and Champions League double last season, said.

Although a host of awards are expected to come Ronaldo's way over the next few months, the FIFPro prize is particularly significant because it is the first to recognise his extraordinary achievements last season when he scored 42 goals in United's charge to glory.

Voted for by players from over 40 countries, it emphasises the widespread appeal of Ronaldo's extraordinary rise and sees him follow in the footsteps of past winners Ronaldinho and Kaka.