Sport 21-12-2004 Ronaldinho Scoops World Prize who: Ronaldinho what: Wins World Footballer Of The Year Award where: Zurich when: Yesterday snippet: "Talent must gleam brightest in the southern sun," grumbles The Guardian`s Kevin McCarra this morning as FIFA once again awarded its greatest individual honour to a player performing in Italy or, in this case, Spain. "Thierry Henry was the only figure on the three-man shortlist who can claim, were he immodest enough, to have been the shaping influence on an historic season." Instead the prize of World Player of The Year went to Barcelona`s Ronaldinho, the player who embarrassed David Seaman in the 2002 World Cup and who the Catalan giants rebuilt their team around last summer. The Times at least thinks the Brazilian deserves the accolade, describing him as "neither a show-off nor a showman; he is a selfless team player and, unusually in one so talented, a real grafter." The Independent recalls a moment back in August 2003, when Ronaldinho met Sir Alex Ferguson at a pre-season friendly in Philadelphia, "presenting us with a vision of what might have been - the greatest British manager of the last decade joining forces with the player who could be the greatest footballer of his generation for many years." Nonsense, says The Guardian. Ronaldinho and Barca have in common "a charisma that is independent of results." They have not won anything during his year there, and although they are looking good for the Primera Liga this season, "he cannot yet purport to direct the fortunes of a club as Henry so dependably does." As usual, Arsenal`s number 14 took it all in his stride, arriving at the ceremony "clad in a striking Che Guevara T-shirt" and sporting a black and white wristband "as a reminder of football`s fight against racism." "Players cannot do very much when they are on the pitch," he said, "but this is a symbol of how we feel, it is part of a campaign. I know it is difficult, but if we can stop it for an hour and a half at every match, if we can get fans to stand up and speak out, that is something good. That can be a victory." [... more]

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