Figo best in world

International class: Figo flanked by Beckham and Raul

Real Madrid's Luis Figo has been named Fifa 2001 World Player of the Year.

Figo, the 2000 European Footballer of the Year, fended off competition from Manchester United's David Beckham and Real team-mate Raul to win the award.

But any English disappointment at Beckham's second place was tempered when it was announced that his international team-mate Michael Owen had won another prestigious award.

  Fifa award winners

Player of the Year: Luis Figo

Women's Player of the Year: Mia Hamm

Fair Play award: Paolo Di Canio

World Team of the Year: Honduras

Movers of the Year: Costa Rica

The Liverpool striker was named European Footballer of the Year.

Portuguese midfielder Figo has enjoyed an outstanding year for both club and country.

He scored three goals in Real's first four games in the Champions League and helped Portugal remain unbeaten as they qualified for the 2002 World Cup.

Figo said: "This is a highly prestigious award.

"It was an honour to be nominated along with two great players like David Beckham and Raul,

He has the touch of an artist

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter on Figo

"I am lucky to win today.

"And I would like to thank my team-mates for helping me achieve this."

Fifa president Sepp Blatter paid tribute to Figo.

"He creates goals and scores them, he has the touch of an artist and those skills make him the complete footballer of our time," said Blatter.

The award is based on the votes of 130 national coaches.

Old Trafford pledge

Beckham actually received more first place votes - 30 to Figo's 27 - but the Portuguese star prevailed because he had more second-place votes, 35 to Beckham's 23.

Beckham used the opportunity to stress his commitment to Manchester United, following press speculation of a rift with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The midfielder said he wanted to stay with the Premiership champions, despite on-going contract negotiations.

"I don't think they'll be sorted out by Christmas, as was intended," Beckham told reporters.

"The fans know that my heart is there, they see me play day in day out. I don't think it's the fans that need convincing."