Figo named FIFA's top player

Last Updated: Monday, December 17, 2001 | 4:00 PM ET

CBC Sports

Portugal's Luis Figo was named FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday.

A star for Real Madrid of the Spanish league, Figo is the first Portuguese player to be given the honour.

He beat out Engand's David Beckham and Spanish teammate Raul Gonzalez in a close vote by 130 national team coaches.

Luis Figo was named FIFA's top player on Monday.(CP PHOTO)

"This is a highly prestigious award," said Figo, who was runner-up for the award last year. "It was an honour to be nominated along with two great players like David Beckham and Raul."

The Portuguese midfielder won with 250 points, just 12 more than Beckham.

But Beckham, who plays Manchester United, was the top choice of more coaches than Figo.

In the women's category, American Mia Hamm easily out-polled Sun Wen of China and countrywomen Tiffeny Milbrett.

Ottawa forward Charmaine Hooper finished 13th, with Turks and Caicos national team coach Charlie Cook picking the Canadian as his top choice.

Hooper was also picked by coaches from the U.S. Virgin Islands (second pick) and Mexico (third pick).