Ronaldo named Portugals player of the century

15 January 2015 11:01

Triple Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was hailed as Portugal's player of the century at a gala to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their football federation on Wednesday.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho picked up the award as Portuguese coach of the century at a red carpet event at the Estoril casino 10km outside Lisbon.

The Real Madrid star, who scored 60 goals in 61 games in 2014, came out of a vote ahead of Eusebio known as the Black Pearl in the 1960's, and Luis Figo who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000.

Ronaldo himself clinched a third Ballon d'Or on Monday, having previously won the ultimate individual award in football in 2008 and 2013.

The 29-year-old, who led Real Madrid to the Champions League title last season with 17 goals in 11 games, was absent from the gala preparing for Real's clash with crosstown rivals Atletico.

Source: AFP