Ronaldinho, the World Player of The Year was on hand to add his famous smile to the celebration of the 'The Beautiful Game'.
Premiership champions Chelsea were well-represented once again when the silverware was handed out. Their England stars John Terry, 24, Frank Lampard, 27, and French club mate Claude Makalele, 32, were all named in the team of the year, voted for by the players. Frank Lampard said: ‘It is a real accolade to be voted into a team of such great players. Awards where you’re recognised by your fellow pros are the ones you really grave.’
The awards were held at a glittering gala ceremony in London. Football's top stars were at the 2005 Inaugural Awards, held at the BBC Television Centre, as well as a host of celebrities, including actress Minnie Driver, singer Kanye West and model Jerry Hall. The evening celebration was hosted by television personality and stage star Denise Van Outen.
Premiership champions Chelsea were well-represented once again when the silverware was handed out. Their England stars John Terry, 24, Frank Lampard, 27, and French club mate Claude Makalele, 32, were all named in the team of the year, voted for by the players. Frank Lampard said: ‘It is a real accolade to be voted into a team of such great players. Awards where you’re recognised by your fellow pros are the ones you really grave.’
England ace Wayne Rooney, 19, was nearly lost for words for once as he picked up the title of Young Player Of The Year at the awards, held at the BBC’s studios in London. His Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, 20, collected an award for the Special Young Player Of The Year, which was decided by Fans worldwide.
AC Milan, last season’s Champions League runners-up, provided five players in the Best XI.
FIFPro World Player of The Year 2005
Ronaldinho
Young Player of The Year
Wayne Rooney
Special Young Player of The Year Award (as voted by fans)
Cristiano Ronaldo
FIFPro World XI - 2005
Dida (Milan); Cafu (Milan), Alessandro Nesta (Milan), John Terry (Chelsea), Paolo Maldini (Milan); Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Claude Makalele (Chelsea), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona), Andrei Shevchenko (Milan)
