Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was named European Footballer of the Year. The Portuguese striker toppied the journalists' poll ahead of Germany's World Cup winner Manuel Neuer and Dutchman Arjen Robben.

Ronaldo is the fourth recipient of the award, succeeding Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

France's Ribery won last years award, beating of Messi and Ronaldo.

This time Ronaldo prevailed in a vote by 54 European journalists which took place on the sidelines of the draw for the Champions League group stages in Monaco.