Ronaldinho

2005/12/3

Ronaldinho is the best. The football world today crowned its new king as the Brazilian star was presented with the Ballon D'Or. The magical footballer has deservedly been awarded a new prize.

Ronaldinho won the Golden Ball on Monday as European player of the year, another honor for the Brazilian following his FIFA player of the year award last year.

Brazilian Ronaldinho kisses the Golden Ball, the award for the European player of the year. This year is the 50th anniversary of the award.

Ronaldinho, a midfielder who won the Spanish league title with Barcelona and the Confederations Cup with Brazil, is the third player from his country to win the Golden Ball following Rivaldo (1999) and Ronaldo (1997, 2002).

Ronaldinho finished ahead of Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool. Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan, last year's winner, placed fifth behind Thierry Henry of Arsenal.

"This is a dream come true," Ronaldinho said. "When I see all the names on the list, when I see my idols Ronaldo and Rivaldo, I realize this is a great honor."

Ronaldinho finished with 225 points, followed by Lampard (148) and Gerrard (142). The winner is chosen by France Football magazine's annual poll of 52 journalists from around the world. This is the 50th anniversary of the award, which was first won by England's Stanley Matthews.

Ronaldinho's cunning , speed, power and strength make him one of the most dangerous attacking players.

"God gives gifts to everyone," Ronaldinho said. "Some can write, some can dance. He gave me the skill to play football and I am making the most of it."