Not surprisingly, European champions Barcelona dominated the ceremony of the UEFA Club Football Awards that recognised the best performers in each position in last season's competition.
16 coaches nominated Barca´s superstar Ronaldinho as Uefa Club Footballer of the Year 2006 and the Brazilian international deserved the prize more than anybody for his scintillating and unforgetful displays throughout the Champions League.

Each category, except the Best Goalkeeper Award won by Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (Arsenal FC), was won by a Barca player and proves the dominance of the Champions League winner FC Barcelona in Europe.


1.) Best Overall Player of UEFA Champions League 2006: Ronaldinho


2.) Best Striker: Samuel Eto´o (FC Barcelona),
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona) and Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)


3.) Best Midfielder: Deco (FC Barcelona),

Riquelme (FC Villareal) and Juninho Pernambucano (Olympique Lyon)


4.) Best Defender: Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona),
Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus Turin) and Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal FC).


5.) Best Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal FC),

Gianluigi Buffon and Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon)


The 16 coaches of the teams that reached the second round last year, as well as members of the technical study group of UEFA voted for the Best Player Awards. The Uefa club football awards were presented during the draw for the group stages today in Monaco.