Shevchenko edged out Barcelona's Deco and Ronaldinho for the 49th Ballon d'Or.

At the award ceremony, Shevchenko said he would dedicate the prize to the people of his homecountry Ukraine.

Shevchenko is the first Ukrainian to win the award since the country's independence more than a decade ago.  

Shevchenko was the top scorer in Serie A last season, blasting 24 goals in 32 appearances and now reached a century of goals in 163 league appearances for his club.

Deco had been the early favourite for the award after his part in Porto's surprise Champions League win last season and his role in Portugal's run to the final of Euro 2004.

But despite good early season form found himself slipping out of contention as a number of prominent figures - including his former boss in Portugal, Jose Mourinho - publicly backed Shevchenko.

Now 28, Shevchenko shot to prominence in his native country with Dynamo Kiev.

He finished top scorer in the 1998-1999 Champions League season, as the Ukrainian giants progressed to the semi-finals only to narrowly lose to eventual runners-up Bayern Munich.

His performances earned him third place in the FIFA World Player of the Year poll.

This year again, he was nominated for the prestigious award.

(Photo source: sina)

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