Cristiano Ronaldo tonight became the first Premier League star to be named FIFA’s world player of the year. The Manchester United and Portugal winger beat AC Milan’s Kaka, Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Xavi to take the award at a star-studded gala in Zurich.

It caps a stunning year for the 23-year-old in which he played the starring role as United won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.

His 31 league goals in the 2008-09 season, and 42 in total, won him the European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top scorer.

He was also awarded the Ballon d’Or by France Football magazine, and named FIFPro’s player of the year.

Premier League players have finished as runner-up before — David Beckham and Thierry Henry both did so twice while Frank Lampard also came second two years ago — but Ronaldo becomes the first to take the top prize.

Ronaldo dedicated the award to his family but also paid tribute to influence of United manager Alex Ferguson.

He said: “It’s a dream come true for me to get this award and I would like to dedicate this to my family.

“But it’s also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.

“His experience over so many years is of paramount importance — it’s a privilege to have such a great club manager.

“This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I’m happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won.

“I am lucky to to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United.”

Torres said he was honoured to have been on the shortlist of five alongside Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka and fellow Spaniard Xavi, the Spanish midfielder.

Torres said: “The very fact of being here is a reason to be proud to represent my club and my country. It’s a matter if pride to have two Spaniards amongst this group.”

The awards are voted for by the head coaches and captains of all countries.