Year Begins with a Gala Kickoff...

Cristiano Ronaldo receives the Player of the Year Award from Pele at the Player Gala in the Opera House in Zurich.



Heather O'Reilly receives, on behalf of U.S. Women's Soccer, the President's Award being handed over by FIFA Vice President Jack A. Warner. The USA had a remarkable record of 2 Gold and 1 Silver Medals this year in the Olympics, U20 and U17 competitions.



Marta, the Women's Player of the Year recipient, joins Cristiano Ronaldo following the presentations on stage to pose for a winners picture. Marta will be part of the new Los Angeles franchise of Women's Professional Soccer, the USA's new league in 2009.



Photos from FIFA.com