Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo smiles as he poses with the Best Ibero-American Athlete Trophy during the 2011 Spanish National Sports Awards ceremony at El Pardo Palace outside Madrid on Dec 5, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Cristiano Ronaldo received the Best Ibero-American Athlete award at the 2011 Spanish National Sports Awards ceremony, at El Pardo Palace outside Madrid on Dec 5, 2012. This is the first time he has won the trophy. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima and Lionel Andrés Messi were given the award in 2004 and 2007.

The concept of Ibero-America came from the late 19th century, referring to American countries that were colonies of Spain and Portugal, which are sometimes included Ibero-America.