Cris named FifPro World Footballer of the Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the FifPro World Footballer of the Year. It is the first in what is expected to be a host of individual honours for the 23-year-old this season, who scored 42 goals for Manchester United on their way to Champions League and Premier League title glory last term.

FifPro is the worldwide players' association and the votes of 57,500 players in 42 countries are counted to decide the award, whose previous winners have been Ronaldinho (in 2005 and 2006) and Kaka (in 2007). Ronaldo is also tipped to win both the Ballon d'Or and the Fifa World Player of the Year award.

"To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing," said Ronaldo. "I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at Manchester United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support. Thank you also to FifPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

FifPro members also voted for their team of the year, with Chelsea's John Terry, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres of Liverpool all making the line-up.

2007-08 FifPro World XI
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Xavi (Barcelona), Kaka (Milan).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

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