Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ronaldo claims another award

Mike Collett,Reuters
Friday 02 May 2008 13:06 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was voted England's Footballer of the Year on Friday - only the second player to win the award in successive seasons since its introduction 60 years ago.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James finished second and third respectively in the poll organised by the Football Writers Association (FWA) since 1948.

The 23-year-old Portuguese was the overwhelming winner, a week after being named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year.

Ronaldo, who has scored 38 goals this season, follows former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry as the only other man to win the award in successive seasons. Henry won the award in 2003 and 2004 and again in 2006.

"Ronaldo's award is no surprise after his brilliant form this season," FWA Chairman Paul Hetherington told Reuters.

"Our records show he is the most overwhelming winner since Billy Bremner won it in 1970. He did not exactly get 100 percent of the vote, but from the moment voting started he moved to the front and stayed there.

"To score 38 goals in a season - so far - is an astonishing feat for a player who is essentially a winger. Given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."

Stanley Matthews won the first Footballer of the Year award in 1948.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in