Real Madrid’s Ronaldo Named 2016/17 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year

Portuguese International and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has received an award as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 2016/17 men’s player of the year on Thursday in Monaco.

Ronaldo picked up the trophy for the second consecutive season and third time in total, having also received the accolade in 2013/14.

The 32-year-old football star finished ahead of two other shortlisted candidates, Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi and Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, in a poll of the 80 coaches in the group stage of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, together with 55 journalists selected by the European Sports Media (ESM) group, representing each of UEFA’s member associations.

“I’m so glad to be here, and honoured to win this trophy again,” Ronaldo said after receiving the award.
He also appreciated his team mates and fans who through their contribution made the award possible, he said: “Thank you to my team-mates and congratulations to them too. I’m so blessed – thanks also to the supporters of Real Madrid, and everyone who helped me to achieve this trophy.”

Portuguese Captain who finished top scorer in last season’s UEFA Champions League with 12 goals, including two in the final against Juventus in Cardiff, received 482 points in the poll, with Messi (141 votes) and Buffon (109 votes) finishing second and third respectively.

Ronaldo featured in 13 UEFA Champions League games scoring 12 goals and 6 assists.

While in the Spanish domestic league he made 29 appearances scoring 25 goals with 6 assists.