Cristiano Ronaldo

The super star 23 yr old beat friends and other team member likes of AC Milan's Kaka and Liverpool's Fernando Torres to win the award, which is run by world footie bosses Fifa.

It's the first time a Premier League player has been given the top honour.

Cristiano Ronaldo said: "It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues."

The award marks the end of a great year for Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals for his club to help them win both the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Personally, he was also named European Player of the Year crown in December and the Fifa Pro World Footballer of the Year in October.

Accepting the award, Cristiano Ronaldo also praised his boss at United, Alex Ferguson, and said he'd learnt a lot over the past year.

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me," he said. "I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won.

"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

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