Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the winner of the UEFA Best Player in Europe award following his exploits for Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.
The 29-year-old was on a three-man shortlist along with Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben and was announced as the winner at a ceremony in Monaco on Thursday following the draw for the Champions League group stage.
The voting was carried out by a number of UEFA-accredited journalists from across Europe. Ronaldo takes over from Frank Ribery as the holder of the trophy.
It follows an exceptional season in which the Portuguese star netted a record 17 times in the Champions League as he fired Los Blancos to their 10th European Cup in May, something Madridistas around the world had to wait 12 years for. In total, the forward scored 51 goals for his club, the fourth season in a row he has surpassed 50 goals for Madrid.
Speaking after the draw was made, in which Los Blancos were drawn with Liverpool, Basle and Ludogorets, Ronaldo said he believes his team can defend the trophy they won in Lisbon.
Congrats CR7 Well deserved achievement, HALA MADRID….