Ronaldo proud of ‘great moment’ after winning Best FIFA men’s player award

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday won The Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2017 Award at a ceremony in London, United Kingdom.

The Real Madrid forward was crowned for the second successive year after receiving the accolade in 2016.

Ronaldo, who beat fellow footballers Lionel Messi and Neymar to win the award, expressed his gratitude to those who voted for him.

“Thank you for voting for me,” the Portuguese international said. “I want to mention Leo [Messi] and Neymar for being here. I want to thank Real Madrid for their support all year.”

“This is a great moment for me. Thank you to all my fans all over the world. I appreciate that. I’m so happy, thank you very much,” Ronaldo added.

Last season, the Real Madrid forward helped his team win the club’s first league and European cup double since 1958 while becoming the first side to win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in the process.

Ronaldo is the Champions League current all-time leading goal-scorer with 110 goals (Messi has scored 97).

Other awards included The Best FIFA Men’s Coach prize which was won by footballing legend and current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane who has guided the Spanish giants to two Champions League triumphs since his appointment in 2016.

“I am grateful to this club and above all to the players because in the end they are the ones who play,” Zidane said after receiving his award.

The shortlist for The Best FIFA awards is decided by a panel of former players, with the winners selected by national team coaches and captains, members of the media, and fans.

For a full list of awards and winners, click here.

Editing by Sam A.