Paris - Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d9Or awarded by France Football magazine to the outstanding player in world football.

Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals last season as United won the Champions League and Premier League, succeeds last year's winner Kaka.

"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life - this is something I dreamed of as a child," the Portuguese winger said.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was second and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was third in the vote announced Tuesday. (dpa)