The name of the world's best footballer in 2004 was officially announced on December 13 at 21:25 when Gerard Hornet, director of France Football magazine, presented the Golden Ball to Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko in Paris.

This moment came after more than a dozen years of the Ukrainian forward's career climb — with Kyiv Dynamo, AC Milan, and his national team. Also, it was less than 12 months of direct expectations and hopes during which the future laureate convincingly proved his right to be called number one among the best.

Let us recall some of the brightest moments for Andriy Shevchenko and his teams in unforgettable 2004.

January 6

The Ukrainian's double against Roma on their pitch brings AC Milan a victory — 2:1. The success in the direct duel with Serie A leader shortens the gap from the Romans and Juventus to one point, confirming Rossoneri's championship ambitions. Shevchenko confidently leads the snipers' race (14 goals in 15 rounds).

Photo acmilan.com

By the way. Against Shevchenko's achievements, his "twin brother" Adriano Galliani stated that AC Milan should consider a lifetime contract for their striker. "Even after retirement, Sheva should stay with us," said the club's vice president. "Whether in the coaching staff or administrative structures, but there will always be work for him."

Direct quote (Andriy Shevchenko — about 2003 and fourth place in France Football poll): "Of course, this is the most memorable season for me so far. Although the national team's failure to qualify for Euro-2004 and AC Milan's loss in the FIFA Club World Cup final leave a bitter taste. Voting for the Golden Ball?... As many people as opinions. I sincerely thank those journalists who voted for me. There is much to aspire to!.."

March 10

Another "double" from Andriy, this time against Czech Sparta in the Champions League round of 16 (4:1). After Prague's San Siro comeback, qualification for the quarterfinals hung by a thread. But Shevchenko took charge!

Direct quote: "Of course, I occasionally thought about the match with Sparta in Dynamo Kyiv back in 1998. As here too, the ball for long refused to go into Czech goal. But still, I was confident: a score of 1-1 — that's just an unexpected twist. The guests skillfully adhered to their tactics — defend as tightly as possible and wait for our mistake. Unfortunately, we gave them a chance. But then everything returned to its place."

Photo acmilan.com

March 14

In the 25th round of Serie A, AC Milan wins against Juventus in Turin — 3-1! The most lethal sniper of the tournament scored again, securing his team a nine-point lead over Juventus and seven points over Roma.

Direct quote: "The trip to Prague fell between two tough and important AC Milan matches in Serie A — against Inter and Lazio. We won both of them. Now it's success in Turin. But I advise waiting for congratulations. Nine rounds remain until the finish, and anything can happen. Right now we are in a situation where the hardest match is always the next."

March 23

Shevchenko's goal was decisive for AC Milan in their first leg against Deportivo (4-1) in the Champions League quarterfinals. In the return match, Galicians staged a fantastic comeback — 4-0, eliminating the trophy holder from the competition. Along with Rossoneri, other favorites also remain in contention — Real Madrid and Arsenal.

By the way. With four goals scored in that Champions League run, Andriy Shevchenko moved to fourth place in the historical record of snipers (38 goals) and secured a top-10 spot among all European cup scorers.

Photo acmilan.com

May 2

A header just two minutes into the home match against Roma was decisive and golden — AC Milan officially clinched the title in a duel with their sole rival.

Direct quote: "The Scudetto has always been my dream goal. And it's achieved! The season seemed to drag on endlessly. Now I feel truly happy."

By the way. Along with the top-flight title, Shevchenko added his second league snipers' title (24 goals), surpassing AC Milan's historical list of Serie A goal scorers Marco van Basten.

July 14

Andriy Shevchenko and American model Kristen Pazzi got married in Washington. "It was a private and quick ceremony, only close friends knew about it," the footballer commented on the event live.

Photo acmilan.com

August 2

In exhibition matches in the US, AC Milan beat Chelsea at Philadelphia Stadium — 3-2. Shevchenko scored the winning goal against his future club. Two days earlier, his goal brought a draw with Manchester United in New York.

August 21

A hat-trick from Shevchenko secured AC Milan's victory in the Italian Super Cup — 3-0 over Lazio. Earlier, Andriy and his teammates lost twice in this trophy battle: to Parma in 1999 and to Juventus last year when the Italians avenged their Champions League final loss with a penalty shootout win. On home turf, the forward scored an immaculate hat-trick, scoring left-footed, right-footed, and with his head.

Direct quote: "Using opportunities to score goals — that's what strikers live for. Sometimes it happens less often, sometimes, as today, more frequently. Perhaps the secret lies in having a good holiday. The ability to fully rest is one of the qualities needed by professional athletes. Starting a new season has convinced me of this."

Photo from UAF archive

September 29

Shevchenko celebrated his birthday with a goal and an assist for Inzaghi in the Champions League match against Celtic (3-1).

Direct quote: "It was very important for Pippo to score. I'm glad that I helped him put the winning goal on the board. The main thing is that AC Milan won, arguing about personal honors is simply ridiculous. We all do one job."

Photo from UAF archive

October 9

A penalty kick (very similar to the one he scored in 1999 — exactly five years earlier! — that left Russia without a European Championship final) opened the scoring for Ukraine against Greece. The Greeks are current European champions, and several players are Golden Ball contenders. Score — 1-1 in Kyiv — the Greeks must view this as an achievement.

Direct quote: "There are too many such goals in my active career to call them oddities!"

October 20

Shevchenko's goal gave AC Milan their first home win over Barcelona in the Champions League — 1-0. Another battle with a direct rival for the title of Europe's best, Portuguese Deco, Andriy won by knockout.

Direct quote: "I think both Deco and Anelka will definitely be among the top Golden Ball contenders... Success at Euro-2004 significantly increases the chances of a Greek player being among the best. Kaká and Adriano also deserve recognition. To beat anyone from them is already an honor. However, regardless of the voting results, I consider this season successful both for myself and AC Milan. Individual awards are always pleasant, but for me, team victories come first. And it's important to derive satisfaction from what you do on the pitch. Everything is in order with that. I'm satisfied with my play, I've become much more mature and experienced, surrounded by excellent teammates — both at the club and in the national team."

October 30

AC Milan narrowly won away against Sampdoria — 1-0. Shevchenko dedicated his goal to son Jordan, who saw the world a day earlier in his presence. Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti had excused Andriy from traveling to Genoa, but after an insomnia night at the hospital near his wife, he joined the team and scored another decisive goal as a substitute.

Photo acmilan.com

November 17

The Ukrainian national team thrashed Turkey in Istanbul in a World Cup qualifier, and Shevchenko scored a brace — 3-0. A week before the end of the journalists' poll by France Football, the leader of blue-and-yellow and red-and-black teams openly leaves no chance for rivals. And he does it again in his style — spectacularly.

December 14

The day after the Golden Ball award ceremony. Direct quote (from an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport): "Yesterday AC Milan won the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. This season, the club clinched the Scudetto, while I became the top scorer in Serie A. The national team ended the year as group leaders. I'm scoring for both teams. Moreover, this year was marked by several happy events in my personal life — I got married and became a father. What more can I ask for in life?..

Photo from UAF archive

The Golden Ball is not a personal but a team award. I want to share it with many people in AC Milan and the Ukrainian national team. Thank you all my teammates and coaches for the work we do together!.."

Yuri KORZACHENKO, exclusively for UAF website