Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko won the 2004 Golden Ball election, ahead of Barcelona players Deco and Ronaldinho.
Shevchenko scored 24 goals last season, helping his team, AC Milan to win the Italian Scudetto. In the current season, the forward has scored another 11 and has also proven his value on the international level, having scored four goals for Ukraine, who currently lead Group 2 of the European World Cup qualifiers.
On invitation of France Football, most European football journalists chose 'Sheva'. The Portuguese and former Brazilian playmaker Deco takes the second place and, despite winning another award earlier this week, Barзa inspirer Ronaldinho is stuck in third.