ACTUALITE |
21.09.2005
Eto`o voted forward of the year
Cameroon`s Samuel Eto`o was elected into FIFPro`s inaugural world team of the year in the English capital London on Monday night.
Earlier this year, some 38,000 members of FIFPro, the players` world association, from 40 countries voted in secret to choose the 2004-2005 best team from a shortlist of 55 top names.
Only Eto`o and Ivory Coast`s Didier Drogba represented Africa on the shortlist, but the Chelsea forward failed to make the leading XI.
At the awards, Eto`o`s club colleague at Spanish champions Barcelona, Ronaldinho, was named the world player of the year.
"It`s a great honour to receive one of these big prizes and this one is extra special because it is voted for by my fellow players," said the Brazilian, who was voted Fifa`s Player of the Year in December.
Eto`o meanwhile used his award as an opportunity to speak out against some of the current problems affecting football.
"The important thing is that all the players stick together to fight against bad influences in football," the 24-year-old said.
Referring to the blight of racism, the reigning Caf African Player of the Year said it was `not a problem` for him.
"I can be booed on the pitch and clapped off it," he explained.
"The problem is the kids on the streets who are the same colour as me, but if we are united to fight against these things we can make them better."
Featuring alongside Eto`o in the forward line of the world team is the Ukraine`s Andriy Shevchenko, who plays for Italy`s AC Milan.
"To be recognised by your fellow professionals from across the world is a unique honour and while we respect the many other football awards that are handed out, I think it is special to see these results, the very first ballot among the world`s players," said Gordon Taylor, president of FIFPro.
The awards ceremony, where Manchester United`s Wayne Rooney was named young player of the year, was held at the BBC broadcasting studios in London.
FIFPro World XI:
Goalkeeper:
Nelson Dida (Brazil/AC Milan)
Defenders:
Cafu (Brazil/AC Milan)
Alessandro Nesta (Italy/ AC Milan)
John Terry (England/Chelsea)
Paolo Maldini (Italy/AC Milan)
Midfielders:
Ronaldinho (Brazil/Barcelona)
Frank Lampard (England/Chelsea)
Claude Makelele (France/Chelsea)
Zinedine Zidane (France/Real Madrid)
Forwards:
Samuel Eto`o (Cameroon/Barcelona)
Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine/AC Milan)
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