Cristiano Ronaldo beat out Lionel Messi, Xavi, Fernando Torres, and last year’s winner Kaka, to win the FIFA World Player of the Year Award with a total of 935 vote points. In second place was Barcelona star Lionel Messi with 678, and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finished third with 203. AC Milan star Kaka was fourth with 183, and Barcelona’s Xavi fifth with 155.

Ronaldo had an incredible 2007/08 season, scoring 42 goals for Manchester United, and taking the Premier League, Champions League and European Golden Boot. He followed this up this term by lifting the Club World Cup in Japan.

Ronaldo also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or (European Footballer of the Year) at the end of 2008. The 23-year-old is the first English-based player to be named FIFA World Player of the Year.

Fernando Torres was the hero for Spain by firing them to Euro 2008 glory against Germany in Vienna - and ending 44 years of disappointment.

Torres struck in the 33rd minute at Ernst Happel Stadion and despite the efforts of Germany skipper Michael Ballack, they held on to their lead to spark wild celebrations in Austria’s capital.

Spain outshot Germany 14-4, with Spain showing more fluidity and creativity on the field than the efficient German team.