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Ronaldo claims World Player of the Year; Marta wins again

Mon 12th, January 2009

Zurich, Switzerland (Sports Network) - Cristiano Ronaldo collected his first FIFA World Player title while Marta claimed her third successive FIFA Women's World Player award at the 18th FIFA World Player Gala on Monday.

Ronaldo had a remarkable 2008, in which he scored 31 goals for Manchester United in the Premier League and propelled his club not only to another league title but also to the UEFA Champions League crown.

He performed creditably at the international level at UEFA Euro 2008, although Portugal was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo reaped 935 points in the vote in which the coaches and captains of 155 national teams took part. Argentina's Lionel Messi finished second (678 points) and was trailed by Spain's Fernando Torres (203), Brazil's Kaka (183) and Spain's Xavi (155).

Marta delivered an outstanding performance at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing 2008, and equaled the record set by Birgit Prinz by claiming her third consecutive FIFA Women's World Player title.

For the women's vote, 139 coaches and captains cast their vote and Marta won comfortably (1,002 points) ahead of Germany's Birgit Prinz (328), Brazil's Cristiane (275), Germany's Nadine Angerer (198) and England's Kelly Smith (150).