Ronaldo Portugal’s player of the century

Lisbon — 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 1960s, 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. — AFP