FIFA (the International Federation of Association Football) has crowned the Portuguese international footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player in the world in 2008.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on Madeira Island, on 5 February 1985. Since starting his career, at his first club, Andorinha, followed by a short spell at Sporting where he made his professional debut at the age of 17, until his current team at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has won an enviable collection of titles.
After a season where he has won everything that could be won, including champion of England with Manchester United, who were also European Champion and won the World Cup for clubs, the Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo has also been awarded the title of “The Best Player in the World." He also won France Football’s “Golden Ball” award: he was voted best player in the Champions’ League (as well as best striker) and best player in the Premiership, where he was also the highest goal scorer resulting in him also winning the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Golden Boot Award.
When the Brazilian Pelé presented him with the FIFA trophy awarded to the best player in the world, he managed to control his emotions enough to offer a few words of thanks to his family, and especially to his mother, and "gave her permission" her to "let off the fireworks." This a reference to the firework display that Ronaldo’s family had prepared on Madeira Island for the moment he was awarded the prize. "This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I dedicate it to my family, to my mother and to my sisters, to my friends and my agent Jorge Mendes. I hope to return here, and I have to thank my colleagues without whom this would not have been possible," said the man who is now officially recognised as the Best Footballer in the World."
We are proud of Cristiano Ronaldo!
