FIFA world player of the year for 2008
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008.
The 23-year-old becomes the first player from the English top-flight to take the award and succeeds AC Milan playmaker Kaka as the best player on the planet. He fended off competition from the likes of second-placed Lionel Messi, third-placed Fernando Torres, Xavi and Kaka.
Ronaldo said: “It’s a dream come true for me to get this award and I would like to dedicate this to my family.
“But it’s also true that the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.
“His experience over so many years is of paramount importance – it’s a privilege to have such a great club manager.
“This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I’m happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won. I am lucky to to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United.”
Fifa World Player of the Year winners:
2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Manchester United
2007: Kaka (BRA) AC Milan
2006: Fabio Cannavaro (ITA) Real Madrid
2005: Ronaldinho (BRA) Barcelona
2004: Ronaldinho (BRA) Barcelona
2003: Zinedine Zidane (FRA) Real Madrid
2002: Ronaldo (BRA) Real Madrid
2001: Luis Figo (POR) Real Madrid
2000: Zinedine Zidane (FRA) Juventus
1999: Rivaldo (BRA) Barcelona
1998: Zinedine Zidane (FRA) Juventus
1997: Ronaldo (BRA) Inter Milan)
1996: Ronaldo (BRA) Barcelona
1995: George Weah (LBR) AC Milan
1994: Romario (BRA) Barcelona
1993: Roberto Baggio (ITA) Juventus
1992: Marco van Basten (NED) AC Milan
1991: Lothar Matthaus (GER) Bayern Munich
from: http://www.skysports.com
Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd
