Cristiano Ronaldo wins UEFA Best Player in Europe Award
Eric Gaillard / Reuters
Fourth time was a charm for Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, who was awarded the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award on Thursday.
Ronaldo was shortlisted for the award in each of the last four seasons, but watched as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery took home the honor. Now Ronaldo can add it to his trophy collection after receiving more votes than fellow finalists Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben.
The 29-year-old Ronaldo helped Real Madrid capture a 10th Champions League title in the 2013-14 season, scoring a record 17 goals in the tournament.
Robben finished second in the voting, while goaltender Neuer placed third.