Barca star world player, but AC Milan world team?

By European Football
September 20 2005

Barcelona midfielder Ronaldinho has been voted world player of the year in a poll of 38,000 of his fellow professionals, but with no less than 5 players represented AC Milan although beaten finalists in the Champions league, emerge as team of the year.

FIFPro president Gordon Taylor heaped praise on Ronaldinho stating:

"There are no greater football critics than the players themselves.

"To be recognised by your fellow professionals from across the world is a unique honour.

"While we respect the many other football awards that are handed out I think it is special to see these results, the very first ballot among the world's players."

And Ronaldinho himself enthused:

"It's a great honour to receive another one of these big prizes and this one is extra special because it's voted for by my fellow players."

Chelsea manage three players, with John Terry making up the sole Englishman on the list.

Full Team:

Dida (Brazil/AC Milan); Cafu (Brazil/AC Milan), Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan), John Terry (England/Chelsea), Paolo Maldini (Italy/AC Milan); Frank Lampard (England/Chelsea), Claude Makelele (France/Chelsea), Ronaldinho (Brazil/Barcelona) Zinedine Zidane (France/Real Madrid); Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Barcelona), Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine/AC Milan).