AND THE WINNER IS... Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) reacts after winning the European Player of the Year award in Monaco yesterday. The Portuguese striker topped the poll ahead of Germany's World Cup winner Manuel Neuer (left) and Dutchman Arjen Robben, both of whom play for Bayern Munich. Ronaldo is the fourth recipient of the award, succeeding Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi. France’s Ribery won the award last time around ahead of Messi and Ronaldo. This time Ronaldo prevailed in a vote by 54 European journalists which took place on the sidelines of yesterday's draw for the Champions League group stages. Ronaldo failed to sparkle at the World Cup in Brazil where Portugal were eliminated in the first round, but inspired Real Madrid on the European stage, inspiring the Spanish club to their 10th European title. (AFP)