Breaking the mark, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo said winning the FIFA Special Best Award on Monday evening was a “tremendous honor”. He also won FIFA’s Special Best award for being the all-time best goal scorer in men’s international football.
He has 115 goals in total for Portugal.
In September, Ronaldo scored his 110th goal for his country, breaking the mark established by former Iran great Ali Daei. During a stunning event at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday evening, Ronaldo acknowledged his delight at earning the prestigious prize.
All-time leading goal scorer in FIFA
“Winning The FIFA Special Best Award is a fantastic honour and a huge privilege,” he posted on Instagram.
The fact that such an important institution chose to honour me as the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA competitions is the pinnacle of my own achievements in representing my beloved country.”
“Now it’s up to me to use this award as extra motivation. Precisely to help Manchester United achieve all of their goals for this season as well as the upcoming play-off matches in March.
So that Portugal can compete in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and we can all continue writing this incredible storey together.”
The FIFPRO Team Of the Year
“Last but not least, a special word to all the tremendous players that represented Portugal for last two decades. And to all the international players that I faced so many times all around the globe. Your talent, your professionalism and your quality always contributed to make me a better player. Thank you,” he added.
Ronaldo was also one of five Premier League players named in the FIFPRO Team Of the Year, which is the only global player award exclusively voted for by professional footballers.
Ronaldo made ‘The Best’ XI but missed out on a top three spot for Men’s Player of the Year
The former Real Madrid player was also included in FIFA’s Men’s Team of the Year. Featuring in a front-line alongside Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Roberto Lewandowski.
However Ronaldo failed to make the top three for the Men’s Player of the Year award. This award was won by Lewandowski, with Messi and Mohamed Salah rounding off the podium places.
