Ryan Giggs Deservedly Wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009

Ryan Giggs has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009 award, beating off competition from second-placed Jenson Button, the reigning Formula One World Drivers' Champion, and world champion heptathlete Jessica Ennis—who finished third.

Other contenders for the prestigious award included WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye, US Open finalist Andy Murray, Ashes winner Andrew Strauss, and world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu.

After receiving the award, Manchester United legend Giggs said: "I'd just like to thank the BBC and everyone who voted for me. This is unbelievable. This is a shock—as you can tell by the speech I've prepared.

"I've been lucky enough to win many things in my career. I've played with some great players, the greatest manager who's ever lived, and the greatest club in the world (I thought that would get a few boos). But this is up there. I grew up watching this TV programme. To be up there is unbelievable."

Giggs was given the award after winning his 11th Premier League title and playing in this season's UEFA Champions League final against FC Barcelona, as well as some majestic performances throughout the year despite being 36 years old.

The Welsh wizard becomes the first footballer to win the award since David Beckham in 2001, and after an incredible career with so many achievements, deserves to win such a prestigious trophy.

Such achievements in a legendary Manchester United career include:

As well as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, there are also several other individual prizes the winger has won.

Such awards include an OBE for services to football, and an honorary Master of Arts degree from Salford University, for his contributions to football and charity work in developing countries.

Jenson Button brilliantly fought back from almost quitting Formula One to win the F1 2009 World Drivers' Championship.

David Haye defied the odds and beat Nikolai Valuev, the "Beast from the East", to win the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Title.

Andrew Strauss sent a whole nation into ecstasy when he captained England to a famous Ashes victory over world superpower Australia.

Andy Murray gave Great Britain hope that British tennis can produce a legend and regain their place on the map of world tennis.

But no sportsman, or sportswoman, has been as brilliant and consistent as Ryan Giggs, the legendary Manchester United and Wales footballer, who has deservedly won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009.