At the age of 23 years, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded as FIFA Player of the year on January 12, 2009 for his heroics in the year 2008. Playing for Manchester United, Ronaldo had a memorable year in 2008 where he scored 42 goals across all competitions. Apart from that, Ronaldo also scored 31 goals in the Premier League and was awarded with Golden Boot.
Along with being the highest goal scorer in the Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo was also awarded UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2008. The Portuguese footballer also won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 and became the first Manchester United player to win that award since 1968.
Very special moment in my life: Cristiano Ronaldo after winning 2008 FIFA Player of the year
Cristiano Ronaldo received 136 first-place votes and 935 points in a worldwide poll of national team captains and coaches to named as FIFA Player of the Year for 2008. On the other hand, his rival and Argentine football star Lionel Messi came second with 678 points, while Spanish striker Fernando Torres earned 203 points to finish at third place. Ronaldo also expressed his gratitude after winning the prestigious award.
"It is an overwhelming moment, a very special moment in my life. I would like to say to my mother and sister that the fireworks can be fired off now,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. "It is a dream for me to get this prize because I want to bring the team and my country forward," he further added.
Talking about other awards, Brazil’s Marta was named Women’s player of the year for the third time in a row in 2009. AC Milan playmaker Kaka and Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez were also finalists for the award that year.
