The CNID Footballer of the Year (often called the Portuguese Footballer of the Year) was an annual award given to the player who was adjudged to have been the best of the year in Primeira Liga. Between 1970 and 2005, this award was given to a Portuguese footballer playing in a foreign country or any player in Portuguese first League. Since 2006, this award only distinguished the best footballers to play in the Portuguese first League, so was called Primeira Liga Footballer of the Year, and the winner is chosen by a vote amongst the members of the Sports National Press Club (CNID).
The CNID Footballer of the Year award (from 1970 to 2005) has been presented since 1970, when the inaugural winner was Benfica striker Eusébio and the award was conceded by Portuguese newspaper Diário Popular. The last winner of the award was Ricardo Quaresma, in 2005. Seven players won the award on more than one occasion. Figo has won the award on the most occasions, having won six times in a row.
The first CNID Footballer of the Year or Primeira Liga Footballer of the Year award (2006 to present) was won by Quaresma in 2006, and the most recent winner is Benfica midfielder Pizzi. Benfica striker Jonas and former Porto winger Hulk are the only players who have won the award more than once.