Ronaldo wins European footballer of the year award

Written by admin from on December 2nd, 2008 | 0 Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo was today confirmed as the winner of the 2008 Ballon d’Or, beating Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. The prestigious award was confirmed in Paris this morning by France Football magazine, who present the trophy based on a poll of 96 top journalists. Cristiano Ronaldo was voted the No1 player of the year in a poll which formerly rewarded Europe’s best player.

Each voter names five players on their final ballot, awarding five points to their first choice and one point to their fifth. Ronaldo’s was the only name to appear on each of the 96 ballots, polling 446 points out of a maximum 480.

The Manchester United winger came second in last year’s poll, behind Brazil star Kaka, but his outstanding form last season, scoring 42 goals in 49 matches in all competitions as United secured a memorable league and European Cup double.

Messi and Torres were rewarded their performances by earning the silver and bronze positions.

The 23-year-old is already FIFPro World Player of the Year and also took the top domestic prizes from the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Football Writers last season.

The 23-year-old Portuguese star is the first from his country to win the Ballon D’Or ‘ award since Luis Figo in 2000.

It is the first time a Premier League player has scooped the award since Michael Owen won it in 2001 after firing Liverpool to treble-cup success.

In an interview with the publication that hands out the award, France Football Magazine, Ronaldo expressed his delight to join the elite group of players to take home the gong.

“To win this award at just 23 years of age is incredible, because I only started my career a few years ago,” he said.

“But it is fantastic as there were a lot of other big names in the race this year such as Lionel, Fernando and even Xavi. All these players could have won it but nevertheless, I’m happy to have taken it,” he added.

“I have to thank all my teammates who helped me become the best. This is one of the happiest days of my life. Those who know me or who have lived with me know that this is a dream come true for me”, he concluded.