Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008.
United superstar named best player on the planet
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008 during a glittering awards ceremony in Zurich.
The Portuguese superstar sees his achievements from the 2007/08 season rewarded with football's most prestigious individual honour.
He has already claimed the FIFPro World Player of the Year title and the highly-regarded Ballon d'Or crown, but has now added the top prize to his ever-growing roll of honour.
Ronaldo scored an incredible 42 goals for Sir Alex Ferguson's men last term, helping them to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory.
The 23-year-old becomes the first player from the English top-flight to take the award and succeeds AC Milan playmaker Kaka as the best player on the planet.
Dream come true
Ronaldo also emulates the achievement of his countryman Luis Figo who took the prize in 2001.
He fended off competition from the likes of second-placed Lionel Messi, third-placed Fernando Torres, Xavi and Kaka.
Ronaldo said: "It's a dream come true for me to get this award and I would like to dedicate this to my family.
"But it's also true that the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.
Competition
"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.
"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.
"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."
Meanwhile, Brazil international Marta was named Fifa Women's World Player of the Year for the third successive time.
