Paris (pte/Dec 14, 2004/12:45) - AC Milan's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has been named European Footballer of the Year. As the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk reports, the 28-year old becomes the third Ukrainian to win the award after Oleg Blockhin in 1975 and Igor Belanov in 1986, who had both appeared for the then Soviet Union. With 175 votes, he beat Barcelona's Portuguese and Brazilian-born midfielder Deco, who got 139 votes, and his Barcelona Brazilian colleague Ronaldinho, who received 133 votes.

"I'm Ukrainian and proud of it. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me win it and would like to dedicate this "Golden Ball" to the people of Ukraine," Shevchenko said. Since signing from Dynamo Kiev five years ago, Shevchenko has scored 102 goals in Serie A, and helped AC Milan win the Champions League in 2003 and the Italian title in 2004. He was also the first foreigner to be top of the scoring charts in a debut season in Italy with 24 goals in 32 matches. Last season, he was top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals.

Shevchenko's achievement has also received praise from out-going Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma. "I am pleased that the talent and mastery of a brilliant representative of the Ukrainian soccer school has been recognised throughout the world," he said in a statement.

The prestigious Ballon D'Or (Golden Ball) was created by the French football magazine "France Football" in 1956. European football journalists decide on the winner. In last year's poll, Shevchenko came fourth behind the Czech Republic's Pavel Nedved. Shevchenko is also in the running for this year's FIFA World Player of the Year, along with Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry and Barcelona's Brazilian forward Ronaldinho.
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