he Real Madrid star won the top gong for the first time as well as two other 2013-14 awards, with Diego Simeone named Coach of the Year.
Cristiano Ronaldo took the top gong at the LFP awards as La Liga’s standout performers from the 2013-14 campaign were revealed on Monday night.
The Real Madrid star was named the best player from last season in Spain’s top flight after scoring 31 goals in just 30 league games for the European champions.
The Ballon d’Or holder becomes only the second player to win the prize since its inception in 2008-09, with Lionel Messi having won all five of the previous titles.
“I have to thank my team-mates, Real Madrid, my family… it is a very good moment in my career,” Ronaldo, also named best forward of the season, said at the awards ceremony in Madrid.
“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.”
As well as the best player and best forward awards, Ronaldo made it a hat-trick by scooping the prize for best goal of the campaign for his strike against Valencia in week 36.
Diego Simeone was honoured as best coach after guiding Atletico Madrid to the title in a remarkable season which also saw them reach the Champions League final.
“I want to share this with my players, without whom none of this would be possible,” said the Argentine. “Thanks to Koke, Gabi, Miranda, Courtois… and everyone who made it possible to win the title.”
Keylor Navas, now of Madrid, picked up the best goalkeeper accolade for his stunning season with Levante. Sergio Ramos scooped the best defender award and Luka Modric was best defensive midfielder on a successful night for Carlo Ancelotti’s players.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta was best attacking midfielder, while Carlos Bacca (best South American) and Yacine Brahimi (best African) were also recognised. Rafinha Alcantara was named the revelation of the campaign.
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 South American prizes.
