Ronaldo wins UEFA’s best player award

MONACO: Cristiano Ronaldo has won UEFA’s award as the best player in Europe last season after helping Portugal to win the European Championship and having another stellar campaign for Real Madrid. Ronaldo, a favourite for a fourth world player of the year award, beat club teammate Gareth Bale of Wales and Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann.

The vote, by journalists from UEFA’s 55 member countries, was announced at the Champions League draw Thursday. Ronaldo also received the award in 2014. Lionel Messi (twice), Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery previously won the award, which was first presented in 2011.

Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg won the women’s award.