FIFA World Player of the Year favourite Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted the best player on the planet in the Barclays Global Fans Report.
The 23-year-old Portugal winger, who inspired Manchester United to Barclays Premier League and Champions League glory last season, was backed by 35% of supporters in a poll of 32,000 fans from 185 countries.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi - 2007 World Player of the Year runner-up - received 17% of the votes to finish second ahead of Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard (10%) and Fernando Torres (9%).
Reigning World Player of the Year Kaka, of AC Milan, received only 7% of the votes.
The 2008 winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Zurich on Monday. Barcelona pair Messi and Xavi, Torres and Kaka have been shortlisted for the top prize along with Ronaldo.
If Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo scoops the gong he will become only the second Portuguese player to do so, emulating Luis Figo in 2001.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi - 2007 World Player of the Year runner-up - received 17% of the votes to finish second ahead of Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard (10%) and Fernando Torres (9%).
Reigning World Player of the Year Kaka, of AC Milan, received only 7% of the votes.
The 2008 winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Zurich on Monday. Barcelona pair Messi and Xavi, Torres and Kaka have been shortlisted for the top prize along with Ronaldo.
If Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo scoops the gong he will become only the second Portuguese player to do so, emulating Luis Figo in 2001.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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