Golden Foot award lifts Ronaldinho's spirit

As with his predecessors, who each year since 2003 are voted by the public out of a group selected by journalists, the Brazilian will have his footprints cast on the Champions Promenade on the seafront of the principality of Monaco.

The award boosts the morale of the 29-year-old international, who has gone through an indifferent spell with Milan as the Serie A giants look for their best form in the early part of the season. During his five-year stint at Barcelona, Ronaldinho won the FIFA World Player award in 2004 and 2005. In the latter year he also received the Ballon d'Or award.