The prestigious award was confirmed at 2am on Tuesday morning by France Football magazine, who present the trophy based on a poll of 96 top journalists.

The Portugal winger came second in last year's poll, behind Brazil star Kaka, but his outstanding form last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions for United, ensured he took top billing this time.

The 23-year-old's coronation was a resounding one, with 77 of the 96 writers voting him as their number one player of the year in a poll which formerly rewarded Europe's best player, but has been expanded to include players from all over the world.

Each voter names five players on their final ballot, awarding five points to their first choice and one point to their fifth.

Ronaldo's was the only name to appear on each of the 96 ballots, polling 446 points out of a maximum 480.

Barcelona's Messi and Liverpool forward Torres were rewarded for fine seasons of their own, by earning the silver and bronze positions but were some way short of challenging the heavily-tipped Ronaldo, with respective returns of 267 and 165 points.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals last season to propel United to glory in both the Premier League and Champions League, adding a further four international goals.

His summer efforts at Euro 2008 were overshadowed by a long-running transfer tussle involving Real Madrid but his achievements continue to be recognised.

The 23-year-old is already FIFPro World Player of the Year and also took the top domestic prizes from the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers last season.

Ronaldo's latest triumph makes him the first United player to claim the Ballon d'Or since George Best in 1968 and the third Portuguese winner after Eusebio and Luis Figo.

An ankle injury prevented Ronaldo from taking his sterling form into the start of this term, but he has been quick to find his stride since returning to fitness, scoring nine times.

In an exclusive interview with France Football, Ronaldo said: "It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child.

"Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it.

"I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me."

Ronaldo admitted he was proud to be take the honour ahead of a host of world stars.

"I am only 23 years old and it is splendid, incredible," he continued.

"There were other great names this year. I see that Lionel Messi finished second and Fernando Torres third, but also (fifth-placed) Xavi...all these people could have taken the trophy and I won it."

Ominously for Premier League defences, Ronaldo also insisted that winning the award had only made him thirsty for more.

"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.

"But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates who allowed me to be the best.

"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will awake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."