Ronaldo: Europe's Best

Cristiano Ronaldo was all smiles yesterdy as he became the first Portuguese winner of the Ballon D'Or. Ronaldo beat off the challenge from Kaka, Messi and Fernando Torres to scoopt the prize.

"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life, something I dreamed of as a child," said the 23-year-old winger. "Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it," Ronaldo continued.

"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season. But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates.

"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will wake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."

The trophy is voted for by the top Football publications across the World, co-ordinated by France Football. Past winners include Kaka, Cannavaro, Ronaldo (the other one), Ronaldinho and legends like Platini, Baggio and Cruyff.

2008 Ballon d'Or voting

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Utd) 446 points
2 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) 281 pts
3 Fernando Torres (Liverpool) 179 pts
4 Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) 133 pts
5 Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona) 97 pts