Ronaldo tops journalists' poll May 02 2008
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.
Ronaldo - who last week was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - topped the poll of journalists ahead of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.
It is the second season in succession that the 23-year-old Portugal international has received the accolade, now in its 61st year.
Former Arsenal hitman Thierry Henry was the last player to collect the FWA award twice in a row, from 2003 and 2004.
Chairman of the FWA, Paul Hetherington, said: "Ronaldo's award is no surprise after his brilliant form this season and incredible goal-scoring record - 38 at the moment - and he is, of course, essentially a winger.
"Cristiano was an overwhelming winner and, given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."
Ronaldo - who has helped take United to within touching distance of the Premier League title as well as the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow - will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 15.