RONALDO, REAL MADRID DOMINATE FIFA AWARDS
LONDON— Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning last season saw him win the 2017 Best Fifa men’s player of the year trophy as Real Madrid dominated a star-studded awards ceremony in London on Monday.
The Portuguese ace, who has scored 44 goals in just 48 games for club and country so far this calendar year, played a major role in Real winning both La Liga and the Champions League.
He scored twice in a 4-1 win over Juventus in the continental final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on June 3.
Real boss Zinedine Zidane took the corresponding manager of the year award, with the Spanish giants providing five players in the Fifa team of the year.
Ronaldo won the inaugural Best Fifa men’s player of the year award last year following the end of a six-year merger between the Fifa honor and the Ballon D’Or.
This year he saw off competition from longstanding Barcelona rival Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar, with former Manchester United favorite Ronaldo receiving his trophy from Argentina great Diego Maradona and Brazil’s Ronaldo in a star-studded ceremony at London Palladium theater.
“Thanks a lot for voting for me,” said the Portuguese superstar.
“I mention Leo and Neymar, great to be here. Real Madrid supporters, myteammates, my coach, they all support me all year.
“We are in England for the first time and I win consecutive awards,” he added. “I am really glad, this is a great moment for me. I have fans all over the world.”