Cristiano Ronaldo beat off competition from Lionel Messi, Xavi, as well as Fernando Torres, and last year’s winner Kaka, to win the FIFA World Player of the Year Award with a total of 935 vote points.
In second place was Barcelona star Lionel Messi with 678, while Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finished third with 203.
AC Milan star Kaka was not far behind in fourth with 183, while Barcelona's Xavi ended up fifth with 155.
The results were announced by the man widely thought to be the best player in history, Brazilian striker Pele, at a ceremony in Zurich.
Ronaldo, whose 42-goal heroics last season earned him the top accolade from Lionel Messi in second and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres in third, said: "I feel fantastic, I feel great, better than before the accident. It's a dream to win this award.
"The last year was great but winning this award has added something very special to the experience. I'm proud of what we achieved at United last season. I would like to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has had an important role to play in my life.
"Last season was a great one for me and my club, and the boss was important because I learned a lot from him. His huge experience, after so many years at the top level, is of paramount importance and it's a privilege to be able to be a part of the history of such a big club as United.
The Manchester United star, recognised as the best at a FIFA gala ceremony, made his first public comment since walking away unhurt from the wreckage of his £316,000 supercar.
The attacking wideman had a magnificent 2007/08 season, scoring 42 goals for Manchester United, and capturing the Premier League, Champions League and European Golden Boot. He followed this up this term by lifting the Club World Cup in Japan.
Cristiano Ronaldo Santos Aveiro is undoubtedly one of the hottest talents in world football. With his surging runs and dazzling skills performed at blistering pace, comparisons with his Brazilian namesake have been inevitable.
Ronaldo caps off a clean sweep of the major awards, having also picked up the prestigious Ballon d'Or (European Footballer of the Year) at the end of 2008.
The 23-year-old becomes the first English-based player to be named FIFA World Player of the Year, and only the second Portuguese, following in the footsteps of Luis Figo, who triumphed in 2001.
In the women's category, Brazilian sensation Marta was victorious, winning for the third year in succession.
The FIFA Fair Play Awards went jointly to the Armenia and Turkey Football Federations for the work they did in helping bring the two countries together politically, socially and football-wise.
The FIFA Presidential Award was presented to the United States Women's National Team.
