Cristiano Ronaldo Named FIFPro World Player of the Year

Manchester United and Portugal goal ace Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFPro World Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The international players' union, which has 57,500 members, announced on Monday that the Manchester United winger, who scored 42 goals last season when the Red Devils won both the Champions League and Premier League, had topped their poll. The honour, voted by professional footballers from all over the world, was widely expected to be awarded to the winger after he scored 42 goals for United last season.

"To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing," the 23-year-old, who beat 54 other world class players to the title said. "I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Man United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support," Ronaldo said. "Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

Ronaldo was also named in the FifPro team alongside United team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Chelsea and England captain John Terry also made the team, as did AC Milan's midfielder Kaka and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo, who helped his club to a Premier League and Champions League double last season, is also a strong contender to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d'Or.