Zurich, January 13:

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the FIFA World Player of the Year for 2008.

The Portugal and Manchester United winger becomes the first Premier League player to win the award. Ronaldo, 23, beat AC Milan’s Kaka, Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Xavi to the prestigious title. “It’s an overwhelming moment in my career and I’d like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues,” said the United star.

His 42 goals for Manchester United last season helped United clinch the Premier League and Champions League double. Ronaldo, who also picked up the European Player of the Year crown in December and the FifPro World Footballer of the Year honour in October, paid special tribute to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. “It’s also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him,” he added.

The coaches and captains of 155 national teams took part in the voting for the award, with Messi finishing second ahead of Torres, Kaka and Xavi. Ronaldo is only the second Portuguese player to pick up the FIFA honour after Luis Figo in 2001.