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Page last updated at 08:51 GMT, Tuesday, 13 January 2009
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In pictures: Fifa player of the year

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele

Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the title of Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008. He was awarded the honour by Brazil legend Pele at a ceremony in Zurich.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The 23-year-old becomes the first Premier League player in history to take the title and fought back emotion as he collected the accolade. He described the event as one of the most important times of his life.

Xaxi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi and Kaka

Ronaldo beat off competition from Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, AC Milan's Kaka, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez. The award was voted for by 155 national team coaches and captains.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The winger can add the crown to his European Player of the Year and FifPro World Footballer of the Year titles. The women's trophy went to Brazil forward Marta, for the third time in a row.



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