Ronaldo handed FifPro honour

Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the 2008 FifPro World Player of the Year.

The Portugal international was integral to the Red Devils' success last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions as the Old Trafford outfit lifted the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.

FifPro is the world-wide umbrella organisation for all professional footballers, with players from more than 40 associations involved in the voting process.

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.

Fellow Premier League stars John Terry and Steven Gerrard were also voted into the all-star XI by their colleagues.

The prodigiously gifted forward was part of the 2007 FifPro team, but missed out on the main award as AC Milan's Brazil international Kaka took the honour.

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.


sky sports