For his outstanding performance and inspiring Manchester United to the Champions League and Premier League this year, winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the “Ballon d'Or” on Tuesday (02 December). Ronaldo is the first Portuguese to win the award since Luis Figo in 2000.

Ronaldo’s name was considered in an opinion-poll, organised by French magazine “France Football” in which 96 journalists from all over the world participated. Forward Lionel Messi of Barcelona came second and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres third, the magazine informed.

The award previously known as the “European Footballer of the Year award” was earlier received by some greats of the game like Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966) and George Best (1968).
Ronaldo scored 42 goals for the Manchester United club last season and also became only the second player to win England's Footballer of the Year award in successive seasons. Ronaldo is the first Premier League player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Since his return from ankle surgery in September this year, Ronaldo has scored eight goals in 11 league games. During pre-season, speculations of his transfer to Real Madrid were reported by numerous media.