Ronaldo is World Footballer of the Year

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for player of the year.

Ronaldo scored a staggering 69 goals in 59 matches for club and country in 2013 and was hot favourite to lift the prestigious award he last held in 2008, reports Sky Sports.

Barcelona and Argentina’s Lionel Messi has claimed the honour over the past four years but had to make way for his La Liga rival, despite his 43 goals in as many matches last year.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who helped his side win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup, was the other player in the running but the France international was also to be disappointed.

But from the Nigerian side, it was not all smooth sail for Ronaldo as he did not receive any vote from the three Nigerian voters. Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi who backed Mikel Obi for the African Footballer of the Year award ironically voted Yaya Toure for the world event. Yaya could not make it to the last stage. His Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama voted for Lionel Messi while Nigeria’s media representative Samm Audu also picked Messi.

After picking up the award, a tearful Ronaldo said, “I have to say thank you to all of my team-mates for my club Real Madrid and the national team.

“Without their efforts it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m very happy. I have to thank everyone who have been involved with me. It’s a tremendously emotional moment.”

The world star got instant congratulatory messages from across the world especially through Twitter. A former Nigeria captain, Jay Jay Okocha twitted, “CR7 finally…The right player won. Congratulations to new Ballon D’or winner. you really worked hard for it..even though!!!

Sone Aluko  wrote, “Deserved winner this year – was never in doubt.”

Pele’s place in football history was also recognised after he won the inaugural Ballon d’Or Prix d’honnneur award.

The Brazilian master was ineligible for the award during his playing career, which at the time was limited to players plying their trade in Europe.

FIFA inaugurated the world footballer of the year award in 1991 and with world football’s governing body amalgamating their award with the Ballon d’or in 2010, the decision was made to honour Pele.

Jupp Heynckes, now retired, was named coach of the year for the first time after leading his Bayern Munich side to an unprecedented treble.

And Nadine Angerer picked up the award for Women’s Player of the Year for her part in Germany’s 2013 European Championship triumph. The 35-year-old saved two penalties in the final on July 28 and was named player of the match following her side’s 1-0 victory over Norway.

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