£¨Xinhua/Reuters photo)

Portuguese star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who led La Liga's Real Madrid to win the 2013-2014 European Champions League, has been voted as UEFA's Best Player of the Year for the first time in Monte Carlo on Thursday.

The 29-year-old beat Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben for the European award designed for season's top performer.

"I'm really, really happy," Ronaldo said upon being presented the award by UEFA president Michel Platini following the draw for the 2014-15 Champions League group stage in Monaco. "I have to say thank you to my team-mates, to my family, my friends. I don't have this trophy in my museum - I'll put it there straight away."

Ronaldo bagged 56 goals and made 15 assists for Real Madrid and Portugal last season, including a record-setting 17 goals in 11 European games as Carlo Ancelotti's side stormed to the 10th Champions League title.

French star Franck Ribery won the award last year.