BRAZIL'S Ronaldo was voted world player of the year by FIFA yesterday. The Barcelona striker was way ahead of second placed George Weah and Alan Shearer, in third spot.

The 20 year old Ronaldo amassed 329 points, compared with 140 for AC Milan striker Weah and 123 for Shearer.

European footballer of the year Matthias Sammer (Borussia Dortmund) came fourth with 109 points and Juergen Klinsmann was fifth with 54. A record 120 national coaches voted in the award.

Ronaldo said after receiving the award: "It's a very great moment for me. I am very moved. 1996 has really been an excellent year for me even though I was injured while still playing for PSV Eindhoven."