The Liverpool and Spain goalscorer was placed alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the three players were voted at the top of the world game by national team captains and coaches. Portuguese winger Ronaldo finished first with 935 points, ahead of Argentina and Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi. Fernando Torres finished third in the overall voting with 203 points, with Brazil's Kaká on 183 points and fellow Spaniard Xavi in fifth place with 155 points.

The star-studded event, which was held at an impressive and beautifully decorated Zurich Opera House, also counted with the live performance of several pieces of classical music by the famous Zurich Philharmonic Orchestra.

After an opening speech by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, clips introducing all the nominees were shown. First up was the Women's World Player of the year, an award won by Brazilian international Marta.

The 2008 men’s event proved to be a repeat of France Football’s recent Balon D’or, with the same three footballers (Ronaldo, Messi and Torres) taking gold, silver and bronze.

Following the award ceremony Fernando Torres spoke to Spanish radio station ‘Marca’. The striker was happy with the recognition he received from managers and captains, and looked forward to a special night ahead surrounded by some of the game’s best players from past and present.“It has been a great night and I am happy with tonight’s result. It is great to be around all these footballers, and I am looking forward to a very pleasant and entertaining evening in the company of players like Platini and Pele.”

With Torres in third and Xavi in fifth, Spain had a total of five players in the top ten. “It is good for Spanish football that so many of us our here. These prizes are down to team-work, and our performance at Euro 2008 helped us to be here in the running for such an accolade. People should not forget that five of the top ten players are Spanish. Spain are playing very well of late and everyone is talking about us; we have to make the most of this moment, and enjoy it to the full.”

Fernando also took time out to look at events at the top of the Premier League. “We let slip two points against Stoke, so now we have to go and recover them somewhere else along the way. Manchester United have two games in hand, and if they win both, they will move one point above us, but there is still a long way to go and we have to continue fighting to achieve our objective.”

Following the event in Zurich, the striker will re-join his Liverpool team-mates as they prepare for the Premier League Merseyside derby versus neighbours Everton at Anfield.

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