Second We Talk About
Cristiono Ronaldo Having already been voted as the Football Writers` and PFA Player of the Year in England; and being given the Golden Boot award for being the top goalscorer in Europe, Ronaldo added the coveted Ballon D`Or (European Footballer of the Year) last month.
Speaking at the awards function, Ronaldo said, "I want to thank my famiy and friends for a very special moment in my life."
Ronaldo scored 42 goals last season, an outstanding record for somone who doesn`t even play as a striker or a center forward. He led his club to the Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League & the World Club Championship.
Ronlado received 935 votes, his nearest rival Lionel Messi - Barcelona`s wonderboy received 678. Spain`s Euro 2008 winning stars Fernando Torres and Xavi Hernandez were also nominated and received 203 and 155 votes respectively. Last year`s winner Kaka received 183. Votes were cast by international coaches and captains.
Ronaldo, who netted 31 goals in 34 premiership games last season has failed to maintain that same level of intensity this campaign, and rumours of an impending transfer to Real Madrid; and questions about Ronaldo`s motivation continue to surface. His manager Sir Alex Ferguson will surely hope that with all the awards now done and dusted, the United faithful will get reintroduced to some Ronaldo magic sooner rather than later.
In the women`s category, Brazilian superstar Marta was victorious, winning the award for the third year in succession.
The FIFA Fair Play Awards were presented jointly to the Armenia and Turkey Football Federations.
The FIFA Presidential Award was presented to the United States Women`s National Team.