London, May 2 (ANI): Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The 23-year-old Portugal international - who last week was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - topped the poll of journalists ahead of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.

According to the Daily Express, it is the second season in succession that Ronaldo has received the accolade, now in its 61st year.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was the last man to collect the FWA award twice in a row, from 2003 and 2004.

Chairman of the FWA, Paul Hetherington, said: "Cristiano was an overwhelming winner and, given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."

Ronaldo - who has helped take United to within touching distance of the Barclays Premier League title as well as the Champions League final in Moscow - will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 15. (ANI)