Cristiano Ronaldo, Renato Sanches Win Portugal Awards for Performances in 2016

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as Portugal’s Player of the Year for 2016, while Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches picked up the Best Young Player gong. 

Both men were central to Portugal’s unlikely triumph at the 2016 UEFA European Championship last summer, with the Selecao beating holders France 1-0 in the final in extra time thanks to a brilliant goal from Eder.

It was Ronaldo who helped inspire the team to the final with some exceptional displays in France, though, and the national team skipper was honoured with the individual accolade as a result.

"It was a very special year for me because the Euros was the only trophy I was still missing," Ronaldo said after receiving the prize on Monday, per ESPN FC. "I want to thank the Portuguese people again, they gave us confidence on our way to the title."

The European Qualifiers Twitter feed broke down the winners on the night:

As noted in the report, the forward’s Real Madrid team-mate Pepe was also nominated for the individual prize, as was Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Ronaldo scored three goals at the finals, including the crucial opener in the semi-final showdown with Wales. Additionally, he led the line tremendously for Fernando Santos’ side and was an eminent presence on the sidelines supporting his team-mates, having hobbled out of the final with an injury.

FRANCISCO LEONG/Getty Images

The prize was part of a memorable haul for Ronaldo in 2016. Indeed, he also sampled UEFA Champions League glory with Real Madrid, netting the winning penalty in the shootout against Atletico Madrid in the final. Individually, he also picked up the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Best Player awards.

It was also a memorable 12 months for Sanches, who started the year at Benfica, earned a move to Bayern Munich and cemented his place in Santos’ Portugal side.

Indeed, the youngster’s energetic efforts in midfield epitomised the qualities of the team. Sanches was tenacious, aggressive and disciplined in his approach to matches, providing a platform from which the likes of Ronaldo were able to go and influence the game.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

After his excellent displays, Sanches was named as UEFA’s Young Player of the Tournament. Per Squawka Football, that wasn’t all he achieved in 2016 either:

Sanches has not developed as much as many would have expected at Bayern, though. The 19-year-old has only started four games in the Bundesliga this season, with manager Carlo Ancelotti recently prompted into answering questions about the player’s future. "Renato will still be at Bayern next season, that is 100 per cent certain," the Italian told Sport Bild (h/t Stefan Coerts of Goal).

After success at the Euros, Portugal continue their quest to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup this week when they face Hungary on Saturday in a repeat of their thrilling 3-3 draw from the Euros last summer.