Rivaldo crowned the best

Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo has been named European Footballer of the Year and wins the Golden Ball award organised by French magazine France-Football.

"This trophy is very important to me. It is a goal which every professional footballer strives for," Rivaldo said.

David Beckham, who played a key role in helping United to the treble last season, finished runner-up with 154 points to Rivaldo's 219. Andrii Shevchenko of AC Milan was third with 64.

Rivaldo was born in the coastal city of Recife and has won 21 caps for Brazil. He began his career at Santa Cruz de Recife but rose to prominence with Palmeiras before moving to Barcelona three seasons ago. Earlier this year, he won the Copa America with Brazil.

Rivaldo was Barcelona's top scorer last season with 24 as the side romped to the Primera Liga title - speculation that he might join Manchester United finally proved unfounded.

He is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2002 and any club moving for his services beforehand would have to buy out his current deal to the tune of $90 million dollars.

Rivaldo is the 44th player to win the award which was only opened to non-European players six years ago and now is open to any player playing for a European club.

Roy Keane was sixth with 36 points, Jaap Stam 11th with 13, former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel 17th with six, Ryan Giggs joint 21st with three and Andy Cole equal 26th with one.

The only other Premiership players to feature were Arsenal's Kanu, who was equal 23rd with two points, and Tottenham's David Ginola, who was joint 26th with one point.

Rivaldo, who felt he deserved to win because as he modestly put it "I consider Rivaldo to be the best player", may use the award to prise more money out of Barcelona.

The forward claims the Spanish giants have not fulfilled all of the financial engagements made to him when he signed in 1997.

"It's the only problem I have currently at Barcelona," he said.

"It has to be sorted out, but basically I am very happy here."

Rivaldo dedicated the award to his father, who died in a road accident when he was 16. "He was my first real coach and turned me into a footballer and ensured I remained one," he said.