Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the Ballon d'Or will make Cristiano Ronaldo into an even better player.
"We are all the same," said the United boss.
"When someone pats you on the back you feel better about things and I am sure he will want to try and improve even more. I think he will.
"I will be going to see him receive his award on Sunday and it is well deserved.
"The percentage of votes he got made it an almost unanimous decision."
No-one came close to matching Ronaldo in the exclusive annual poll run by France Football.
It is certainly a significant achievement for the Portugal superstar, who was written off as a show-pony by some when he arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon as a raw 17-year-old in 2003.
But by working on his game and cutting out the needless tricks, Ronaldo has become the world's number one, devastating with both feet and in the air.
"The mentality is the important thing," said Ferguson.
"That is what has made him.
"It is not easy for someone to come to another country at 17, particularly when you leave a climate like Portugal's into a harsh British winter.
"For him then to go on and do what he has done over the past five years tells you he is exceptional.
"He has courage and is skilful. Just a great entertainer."