Another trophy for Ronaldo’s mantelpiece.
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Real Madrid’s superstar attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded another personal accolade to add to his growing collection, having been voted as the best player in Europe by UEFA.
Ronaldo, who already holds the illustrious Ballon d’Or award, having been voted the best player in the planet, edged out competition from Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, also of Bayern, to pick up the sought after accolade.
The former Manchester United man’s performances in the 2013/14 Champions League, as Real Madrid edged past fierce local rivals Atletico in a tense final in Lisbon, may have swung the voting in Ronaldo’s favour, after the Portuguese international bagged a stunning 17 goals in 11 European matches during the campaign.
Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s Real side dropping back to third in La Liga, behind Atletico and also Barcelona, the challenge of winning a 10th European title is what has motivated Real over the last decade, with Ronaldo likely to be remembered as the player who did the most to help his side secure La Decima.
Ronaldo takes the award from Franck Ribery, who was handed the accolade twelve months ago for his performances for Bayern Munich as they claimed the 2013 Champions League title.
The top 10 is as follows, with Arjen Robben in second place – and new Manchester United signing Angel di Maria making it into the top ten.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Arjen Robben
3. Manuel Neuer
4. Thomas Muller
5. Phillip Lahm
5. Lionel Messi
7. James Rodriguez
8. Luis Suarez
9. Angel di Maria
10. Diego Costa?
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