Football: Ronaldo crowned UEFA Best Player in Europ
AFP
August 26, 2016 23:23 MYT
August 26, 2016 23:23 MYT
Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo kisses his trophy of Best Men's player in Europe at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group stage draw ceremony, on August 25, 2016 in Monaco. - AFP Photo/Valery Hache
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award on Thursday after winning both last season's Champions League and Euro 2016 with Portugal.
Ronaldo, 31, received the accolade for the second time in his career after finishing ahead of Real team-mate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
"I'm obviously delighted to receive this award, it's been an incredible season. But these two other players deserve it as well," said Ronaldo, who also won the prize in 2013-14.
Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick as Real claimed a record 11th European Cup title, beating city rivals Atletico on penalties in May, before leading his country to Euro 2016 glory.