Cavani was victorious among the 10 nominees for the award which was held in Monaco on Tuesday, October 30.
Not as prestigious at the Ballon D’ or, the Golden Foot award is organised by the World Champions Club.
Cavani wins 2018 Golden Foot award
Unlike most awards, the Golden Foot Award recognises the achievements of active professional footballers who are above the game of 28.
The winners of the award are determined by the votes from the public, media and the organisers.
Despite the prolific nature of Messi and Ronaldo, Cavani beat the two superstars and his own international teammate Luis Suarez to the award.
Other nominees for the award were Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, Robert Lewandowski, Sergio Aguero and Thiago Silva.
Now 31-years-old, Cavani made his debut in professional football for home side Danubio before moving to Italian Serie A giants Palermo in 2007.
Cavani's career
In the international scene, his greatest achievement will be playing a part with the Uruguay team that won the 2007 Copa America and progressed to the semifinal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The award can only be won once by a player and past winners in the last two years are legendary goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas.