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Barcelona ace Ronaldinho has succeeded Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko as the European Footballer of the Year.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward becomes France Football’s 50th Golden Ball winner after netting more votes, cast by a select group of European-based football writers, than Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.
Ronaldinho was awarded 225 points, Lampard 148 and Gerrard, who captained his side to Champions League glory over Milan, gained 142.
Arsenal forward Thierry Henry – formerly of Juventus – was fourth, just ahead of previous winner Shevchenko.
Widely expected to receive the honour after being spotted with a French photographer last week, Ronaldinho becomes the third Brazilian to win the award for his performances at the Nou Camp, after Ronaldo in 1997 and Rivaldo in 1999.
The Samba star also won the 2004 FIFA Player of the Year and the inaugural FIFpro prize earlier this year.
Top 10
1) Ronaldinho (Barcelona) 225
2) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) 148
3) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) 142
4) Thierry Henry (Arsenal) 41
5) Andriy Shevchenko (Milan) 33
6) Paolo Maldini (Milan) 23
7) Adriano (Inter) 22
8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus) 21
9) Kakà (Milan) 19
10) Samuel Eto'o (Barcellona) 18
John Terry (Chelsea)
<European Footballer of the Year winners>
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