ZURICH (Sporting Alert) — Cristiano Ronaldo, as many predicted, won the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or award after stunning season with Real Madrid last season.
Ronaldo was also instrumental in guiding his country Portugal to this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, this summer and when his name was called by the legendary Pele, it did not surprised many, as an emotional Ronaldo entered the stage with his son.
It was second time Ronaldo was winning award.
Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who won four-times in a row and France and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribéry were the other players up for the award.
“First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team,” Ronaldo said. “Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank.
“My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved.”
MORE FIFA AWARDS
FIFA BALLON D’OR 2013: CRISTIANO RONALDO
WOMEN’S WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: NADINE ANGERER
COACH OF THE YEAR FOR MEN’S FOOTBALL: JUPP HEYNCKES
COACH OF THE YEAR FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: SILVIA NEID
