Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo may not have won or been nominated in FIFA's The Best awards' top three players of 2022, but he did take home a special accolade in FIFA's Special Award after featuring in the FIFPRO Men's World 11.
Robert Lewandowski scooped back-to-back awards and became the first player since the 36-year-old to claim the prize in successive years.
The Pole broke Gerd Muller's record in the Bundesliga and controversially missed out on the Ballon d'Or as Lionel Messi won it for a record seventh time.
Following Ronaldo's sensational return to Old Trafford, he broke the long-standing record held by Ali Daei who was previously the most prolific striker ever in men's international football.
Ronaldo's brace against the Republic of Ireland saw him shatter that piece of history overtaking the Iranian's 109 international goals.
In light of the presentation of the award, legendary footballer Pele had a message for Ronaldo, as he told his Instagram followers: "@cristiano, congratulations on the special tribute from FIFA. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person to give you my hug. I recorded this message with great care. See you soon! #TheBest"
And the United attacker couldn't hide his delight to receive the congratulatory words from the World Cup-winner, as he replied: "When Pelé talks, the world listens. It’s impossible not to get emotional when such an amazing person shows all his respect and admiration towards me. An eternal hero, a myth for all generations and a true legend of sports.
"As he wisely said, we are all in the same team: the team of football!
"Thank you, Pelé! I hope I get to see you very soon, so that we can smile together and talk about this game that we love."
Last season's top goalscorer in Serie A featured in the front four of the World XI. It was the first time that FIFPRO had named a 23-man squad which was whittled down to the starting XI.
Ronaldo featured alongside The Best Men's Player, Lewandowski, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
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