Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the FIFA presidential award for services to football.
The 70-year-old Scot was presented with the award by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.
Blatter said: "Elite football is all about results and winning and there is no one better at it than him."
He added: "His first major success came at Aberdeen in 1983 but what is absolutely extraordinary is that in a world in which coaches are expected to produce instant results or be changed, his longevity is a shining example of what can be achieved through stability, continuity, investment in development and especially in trust and confidence in the personality himself.
"He has earned a knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen for services to the game. This exceptional personality in football has been managing the same club for 25 years - can you imagine that today?"
Ferguson himself praised Manchester United for sharing his vision of the game.
He said: "It is an honour for me in the twilight of my life and very, very much appreciated.
"I have been a very, very lucky manager to have had so many good players who have shared my vision and passion, and that's what makes Manchester United such a special club.
"They retain the courage to play, the courage to try and win. You don't always win in football - sometimes you lose but we always try to win."
Source: PA
