Ronaldinho wins the Ballon D'Or

It should come as no surprise to anyone that saw the stunning goals that Ronaldinho produced last week against arch rival Real Madrid that he has won the Ballon D'Or (Golden Ball) in recognition of his being selected the European Footballer of the Year.

The Ballon D'Or is voted for by European football journalists selected by French magazine France Football. The award celebrated its 50th anniversary in Paris on Monday night and was first won by Stanley Matthews while he was at Blackpool in 1956.

I really want to hate this guy, but between his brilliance on the ball and the fact that he always looks surprisingly happy, I just can't stand to not appreciate him!

-- Jarrett @ 11/28/2005 05:16:00 PM