Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was handed three LFP awards in the Spanish capital on Monday night. His club were also the big winners at the La Liga ceremony; taking home a total of six trophies.
Ronaldo was named winner of the ‘Best Forward’, ‘Best Goal’ and ‘Best Player’ in La Liga last season. The Portugal international finished as the top scorer of the campaign with 31 goals from 30 games.
“I have to thank my teammates, Real Madrid and my family…it is a very good moment in my career,” Ronaldo said.
“For me, the important thing is to win collective prizes, but I like the individual ones, too. I work every day in training to continue adding more to this.”
Keylor Navas was voted Best Goalkeeper (for his performance with Levante), Sergio Ramos was named Best Defender and Luka Modric was named Best Midfielder.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was named ‘Best Manager’ for leading his club to their first La Liga title since 1996.
Despite his side’s success last season, Simeone was the only member of Atletico recognized by the league during the award ceremony in Madrid. Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis, Miranda, Gabi and Koke were all nominated for awards; but were shut out of the honors.
“I want to share this with my players, without whom none of this would be possible,” Simeone said. “Thanks to Koke, Gabi, Miranda, Courtois…and everyone who made it possible to win the title.”
The awards for the best players and coach were voted for by the three team captains of each side in the division, though they were not allowed to vote for players from their own club. La Liga coaches chose the revelation award, while internet polls were responsible for the best goal, best African and best player from the Americas awards.
Carlos Bacca of Sevilla won Best Player from the Americas, beating out former Real Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria for the honor. Granada’s Yacine Brahimi (now with Porto) was named Best African player in the competition.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta was presented the award for Best Attacking Midfielder and teammate Ivan Rakitic (formerly of Sevilla) was given the Fair Play award.
The Revelation award went to Rafinha Alcantara of Barcelona (who was on loan at Celta Vigo in 2013-14).
