Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the 2008 FifPro World Footballer of the Year.
The Portugal international propelled United to domestic and European success last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions.
FifPro is the world-wide umbrella organisation for all professional footballers, with players from more than 40 associations involved in the vote.
Ronaldo was part of the FifPro XI and held off the likes of Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Xavi and United team-mate Rio Ferdinand to claim the individual accolade.
He told the FifPro official website: “To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing.
“I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at Manchester United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support.
“Thank you also to FifPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world.”
Ronaldo is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or and Fifa World Player of the Year awards, and has already stated he feels he ‘deserves’ both honours.
FifPro team in full:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Kaka (Milan), Xavi (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).
