Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved was today named the new European Footballer of the Year.
The Czech Republic star is the winner of the `Ballon d'or' award organised by France Football magazine, who polled journalists from across Europe to come up with the result.
The news will make amends for Nedved finishing only fourth in polling of national coaches for FIFA's World Player of the Year award, which was won by Zinedine Zidane.
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry finished second in the European award, with AC Milan's stalwart defender Paolo Maldini third, Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko fourth, and Zidane fifth.
The news was broken by Juventus' official website, ahead of the France Football embargo. Nedved won the award on the back of superb form for both club and country. Juventus won their second successive Serie A title in 2003, and Nedved produced a series of outstanding performances in the Champions League as the Turin giants reached the final.
He was suspended for the final which Juve lost on penalties to Milan, but Nedved again shone in Euro 2004 qualifying matches as the Czech Republic finished top of their group, above Holland.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
