Cristiano Ronaldo named FIFA World Player of the Year

Posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 8:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a treble of football awards on Monday, when FIFA named him their World Player of the Year, adding this title to his European Player of the Year and FIFPro Player of the Year awards.

Ronaldo was acknowledged for the central role he played in helping his club, Manchester United, win the English Premier League, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

“It’s another overwhelming moment in my career,” Ronaldo said after accepting the award from Brazilian football legend Pele. “It’s a tremendously emotional moment and a dream come true. I’d like to dedicate this to my family.”

Ronaldo beat some of the finest players in his generation to take the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year title. The likes of Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres and 2007 winner Kaka had also been nominated for the award.

“This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I’m happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won,” Ronaldo continued. “I am lucky to to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United.”