MADRID Luis Figo, named European Footballer of the Year, said the award reflected a year of hard work.

"I don't consider myself to be the best or the worst. All I know is that this award is a recognition of a job well done over the past year," the Portuguese international told reporters.

Figo, who moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid for $53 million in July after Portugal were knocked out in the Euro 200 semifinals, was awarded the "Golden Ball" in a poll of soccer journalists organized by the French weekly France Football.

The Real Madrid winger had words of thanks for his family, teammates and the fans of Portugal and Real Madrid, although he pointedly omitted any reference to the Barcelona fans who gave him such a hostile reception on his return to the Camp Nou in October.

"I would like to dedicate this prize to my wife and daughter who have always been at my side."

"I would also like to dedicate it to my teammates at Barcelona, in the Portuguese national side and at Madrid, and to the fans of Portugal and Real as well as to all the Portuguese people who have supported me over the years."

Figo, who came second to Zinedine Zidane in the FIFA World Player of the Year poll last week, is the third Real Madrid player to win the prestigious award. Alfredo di Stefano won it twice (1957 and 1959) and Raymond Kopa once (1958) during Real's golden era in the 1950s.

Real Madrid Captain Fernando Hierro said that the award came as no surprise to him or the other players at the club.

"He really deserves it. As well as being a fantastic player, he is a great teammate."

Figo was also named "Player of the Year" by the influential magazine World Soccer.