LONDON, Nov. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Ronaldinho is set to be awarded European Footballer of the Year on Monday, BBC reported on Sunday.     

    The Barcelona and Brazilian playmaker has already claimed the Fifa and FIFpro World Player of the Year gongs.

    The 25-year-old is now favourite to win the Ballon D'Or, which is voted for by European football journalists selected by French magazine France Football.

    The award is celebrating its 50th anniversary and was first won by Stanley Matthews in 1956 while George Best won it in 1968.

    Ronaldinho is likely to beat Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who led his side to victory in the Champions League last season, and Frank Lampard to the award.

    Midfielder Lampard has been instrumental in Chelsea's rise and helped the club claim the Premiership title last season. Enditem