Ronaldo beats Mourinho to award

The honour, handed out by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, recognised Ronaldo's "contribution to the expansion of Portuguese football across the world".

Ronaldo, 21, said: "I'm very happy with what I've achieved and want to continue at this level in 2007."

Mourinho, the winner in 2004, finished behind Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

Ronaldo was heavily criticised in sections of the British media after he appeared to encourage referee Horacio Elizondo to send off Wayne Rooney during England's World Cup defeat by Portugal in July.

His United team-mate Rooney revealed in August that "we have got no problem with each other now".

And after surviving the backlash following his World Cup antics, Ronaldo has rediscovered his best form.

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, a director at Old Trafford, has been so impressed with Ronaldo, who has scored 14 goals for club and country this season, that he has tipped the Portugal player to become the 2007 Footballer of the Year.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Uefa
Football on the BBC
Your say - 606
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites