Ronaldo wins FIFA World Player award

By Mark Ledsom

ZURICH (Reuters) - Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFA World Player of the Year at a ceremony on Monday.

Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi was second, with Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres third.

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez, also of Barcelona, and AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka completed the top five.

Ronaldo won the honour for the first time after helping United win the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.

It also completed a hat-trick of individual honours for the 23-year-old, who had already won the football journalists' Ballon d'Or trophy and the FIFPro World Player of the Year title voted for by his fellow professionals.

"It's an overwhelming moment, very special," said Ronaldo after receiving the FIFA award from Pele.

"I can say to my mother and sister, 'let the fireworks off now'. It's one of the most important moments in my life."

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