Ronaldo takes Fifa award

The Real Madrid and Brazil star becomes the first person ever to win the title three times to put him in the record books.

Ronaldo picked up 387 points, while Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn came second with 171 and France star and Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane was third with 148.

The only Premiership players named in the top ten were Manchester United's David Beckham (51), in eighth, Arsenal's Thierry Henry (38), in ninth, and Liverpool's Michael Owen (34), in tenth.

Ronaldo picked up the award on the basis of his sparkling performances at the World Cup where he helped guide Brazil to a record fifth title.

The former Internazionale and Barcelona star finished as top scorer in the Far East with eight goals including two in the final against Germany.

Ronaldo dedicated the award to his medical team after helping him to recover from a series of injuries to recapture his best form.

"There's millions of people I'd like to dedicate the award to," said Ronaldo. "I'd mainly like to thank the medical team that brought me back from two extremely difficult years.

"That's my doctor Gerard Saillant, the Inter Milan doctor Franco Combi and physiotherapist Nilton Petrone.

"I'll also dedicate the award to my family, friends and to everybody.

"It's highly satisfying after the years of doubt and injuries.

"I was worried if I'd even be able to play again but now it's as good as I'd hoped or dreamed it could be."

Kahn came in second after a brilliant personal showing at the World Cup where he won player of the tournament, while Zidane, who had a disappointing World Cup because of injury, helped Real Madrid to Champions League success with the winning goal against Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Brazil were named Team of the Year after winning the World Cup, while Senegal took most improved side after their surprise showing at the finals.