Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho was named 2005 European Footballer of the Year today. The 25-year-old was favourite to claim the Ballon D'Or, having already won the 2004 Fifa World Player of the Year and the inaugural FIFpro award.

Steven Gerrard was third in the voting with 142 points, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was second on 148, Ronaldinho won with 225 points.