Tuesday, December 21 2004 10:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Zurich: Brazil's Ronaldinho was named 2004 FIFA World Footballer of the Year in Zurich to cap a fine 12 months for both club and country.

His club Barcelona are racing away at the top of the Spanish league and Brazil are well on course to qualify for the 2006 World Cup from South American qualifiers.

The result, from a shortlist including Thierry Henry of France and Ukrainian 2004 European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko, was announced at a gala evening at the Zurich opera house.

"Just to be here brings me great joy," Ronaldinho said.

"This was a great victory, particularly as I have never been a great scorer. But we all play in our own way and each of the three nominees deserved to win. I'm even more happy now that I have won."

Ronaldinho was acclaimed by Pele himself as the best player at the 2002 World Cup and it is not surprising his talent has been finally recognised with this award.

Ronaldinho's blinding pace unhinged England's defence in the quarter-finals to set up a goal for Rivaldo, and his audacious free-kick caught out David Seaman to seal a 2-1 victory for Brazil.

Arguably he was the most important component of Brazil's vaunted 'Triple R' strike-force at those 2002 finals, surging forward from just behind Ronaldo and Rivaldo and pulling opposing defenders out of position.

Undoubtedly he was one of the key components of Brazil winning their unprecedented fifth World Cup title.