Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi and Neymar to FIFA Best Player Award

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Best Men’s Player at the FIFA Football Awards after beating rivals Lionel Messi and Neymar to the illustrious prize. The Real Madrid and Portugal superstar, 32, has enjoyed another sensational year, scoring 45 goals in 48 appearances and winning the Champions League and La Liga during the 2016-17 campaign.

Ronaldo won the inaugural award in January and defended his crown at Monday evening’s event held at the London Palladium. Messi, for his part, contributed 49 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances in 2017 for Barcelona and Argentina but was once again overlooked as Ronaldo took home the award. The third nominee was Neymar, who became the most expensive player in the world when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Ronaldo said: ‘Thank you a lot for this, I have to mention Lionel and Neymar for being here. I want to thank the Real Madrid supporters, my team-mates, my coach, my president… they all support me throughout the year so I must say thank you to them. ‘This is a great moment for me. I know I have fans all over the world so thanks for the support. It was great to be here, around these great players. I’m so happy.’

Netherlands star Lieke Martens, meanwhile, won the Best Women’s player award and said: ‘Thank you very much, I want to thank all my team-mates, without you I couldn’t achieve this. ‘I would also like to thanks my coaches and family – this one is for you.’

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