If there were still any doubts about the identity of the world's best footballer, Ronaldinho dispelled them in Barcelona's 3-0 destruction of Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old Brazilian gave another breathtaking demonstration of his footballing genius in the most high-pressure league game of the season, scoring two wonderful second-half goals at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Even the Real Madrid faithful had little choice but to marvel at Ronaldinho's performance and responded by giving the smiling Brazilian a standing ovation after his second goal.
Ronaldinho is now hot favourite to win the European Footballer of the Year award and thus complete a clean sweep of the most prestigious individual awards in the game.
He received the plaudits of international coaches when he was named FIFA World Player of the Year last December and is tipped to retain the award this year.
He was then honoured by his fellow professionals when he won the inaugural FIFPro World Player of the Year trophy in September.
Now the journalists of France Football magazine are expected to add their tribute by awarding him with the Ballon d'Or next Monday ahead of English midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and veteran Italian defender Paulo Maldini.
Barca captain Carles Puyol said he had no doubt his team mate was the outstanding player in Saturday's game.
"Ronaldinho is the best player in the world," he said. "He showed it today but he has also demonstrated it in other games.
"It is a surprising scoreline but Ronaldinho's interventions and the work of the rest of the team earned us the victory."
Ronaldinho himself said he was overcome by the reaction of the Real Madrid fans to his performance.
"It was the kind of game you dream about, it was a perfect display," he told reporters.
"For me it was a very emotional moment and I will never forget it because it isn't often opposition fans applaud you.
"It isn't something that you expect to happen in your career."
© 2024 Rediff.com -