Football: Cristiano Ronaldo wins his 4th Globe Soccer's Best Player gong

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is seen after the announcement of his reception of the Best player award during the Globe Soccer Awards Ceremony on Dec 28, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

DUBAI (AFP) - Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was on Thursday (Dec 28) named Globe Soccer's Best Player for the second year in a row and the fourth time overall, although he wasn't present in person to receive his trophy.

The Portuguese international also won the prize, organised by the EFAA (European Association of Football Agents) and ECA (European Clubs Association) in 2011, 2014 and 2016.

Ronaldo appeared by video link as he received the award from former Italy forward Alessandro del Piero.

Despite his numerous awards, Ronaldo joked that he still has plenty of room to expand his personal trophy cabinet.

"Don't worry my friend, I have a lot of space," Ronaldo, who inspired Real to the Champions League last season, told the show's host.

"For me, it's a special moment and I feel very happy to receive this award. I have to say thank you to my team-mates, to my coach, to (my team) Real Madrid.

"It was an amazing year, we won a lot of trophies collective and myself individual, so I'm so glad. Thank you for the people who voted for me - next year, do the same!"

His club were also named best club of the year and Real's Zinedine Zidane was selected as best coach.

"It's an honour for me and for the club to receive this award," Zidane told the audience.

"It means things have gone well and worked well."

In other awards, former Roma forward Francesco Totti and former Barcelona defender Carles Puyol received player career awards, former Italy and Juventus manager Marcello Lippi was handed a coaching career award, Spain's La Liga was the best league of the year, and Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, named best agent.

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