Ronaldo is European Footballer of The Year

Portugal and Manchester United's winger Christiano Ronaldo was Today Tuesday 2nd December, 2008 named the European footballer of the year.

The Portuguese international became the 42nd winner of the Award since inception. He is the 4th Player to win the award as a Manchester United player after Denis Law(1964), Bobby Charlton (1966 ), and George Best (1968)

Ronaldo dominated the voting by 446 points to beat Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres to Sec0nd and third position respectively. Messi had 281 points and Torres had 179.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions last season to aid Manchester United win the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

The 23-year-old Ronaldo adds the Ballon d'Or (European Footballer of the Year) award to the FIFPro World Player of the Year trophy he won in October, and the Professional Footballers Association and the Football Writers awards.