Cristiano Ronaldo has been named player of the year by England's Football Writers' Association, becoming just the second player to retain the award.
The Manchester United winger, who last week was also named player of the year by his fellow Premier League professionals for the second straight season, has scored 38 goals this season to put his team in contention for the league and Champions League titles.
"Ronaldo's award is no surprise after his brilliant form this season," Football Writers' Association chairman Paul Hetherington said. "He did not exactly get 100 percent of the vote, but from the moment voting started he moved to the front and stayed there.
"To score 38 goals in a season _ so far _ is an astonishing feat for a player who is essentially a winger. Given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson warned rivals the Portuguese will only improve.
"His form this season has been absolutely sensational," Ferguson said Friday. "He's become a real top-class player _ and remember, he's only 23 years old. When he gets to 25 or 26 we'll see the finished article.
"In his early days he tried to hit his shots a little too hard but he's improved as a result of his own practicing."
Ronaldo joins Thierry Henry, who took the award in 2003 and '04, in winning the title for two straight years.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finished second, with veteran Portsmouth goalkeeper David James third.
The FWA award, which is voted for by journalists, has been running since Stanley Matthews won the inaugural prize in 1948.
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