FIFA awards Ronaldo prestigious Ballon d'Or prize.

At its annual Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich, FIFA named Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo world's best soccer player for the 2012/2013 season, beating out favorite Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich and Barcelona's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who had also made the shortlist.

"Thank you to everyone, my teammates, the national team and my family, to everyone here," an emotional Ronaldo said.

"There are no words to describe this moment," he added.

Ronaldo (pictured back row, second from the left) last won the FIFA World Player award in 2008.

Frenchman Franck Ribery had been the favorite to win on Monday, following his role in leading the german bundesliga side Bayern Munich to league, cup and Champions league titles in the 2012/2013. He was also name UEFA's player of the season for 2012/2013.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi had also made the shortlist. The Barcelona player had previously won FIFA's prestigious Ballon d'Or prize an unprecedented four years in a row.