If you mean soccer, C. Ronaldo. Some might also say 'Lionel Messi'.
If, on another hand, you mean Australian football, in 2009 [the commencement of this question], the top award was handsomely won by Gary Ablett Jnr.
In 2010, the Brownlow Medal [the sports top award] was won by Chris Judd.
At this point of 2011 - the season nearing an end - Chris Judd would be well in the running again - as this year's best. Dale Thomas commenced the year very much on fire, but has now received suspensions.
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The best footballer in the world is obviously Virgil Van Djik.
The worlds best footballer in 2009 was Cristiano Ronaldo as he won the Player of the year award