FIGO SET TO SCOOP BALON D`OR

LUIS FIGO looks like making up for his disappointment at finishing runner-up to Zinedine Zidane in the World Footballer of the Year award by obtaining the Balon d`Or (Golden Ball) accolade next Tuesday.

The Real Madrid midfielder looks set to edge out the Juventus star, despite the fact that the award is presented by France Football, with the likes of Rivaldo and dark horse Andrei Shevchenko also missing out on the prize.

The award, given to the best player in Europe, went to Rivaldo last year, and this year`s decision is more confirmation that La Liga is becoming the place to be if you want to see the game`s biggest stars.

It is just recognition for Figo`s outstanding contribution to Euro 2000, when his impressive displays finally marked his arrival on the biggest stage, after years of showing his enormous potential.

The world record £37.5 million defection from Barcelona to Real Madrid is further evidence of the esteem in which the 28-year-old is held, and he has managed to carry his Camp Nou form into the Bernabeu, despite the furore that has surrounded the controversial transfer.

Figo had expressed his disappointment at losing out to Zidane in the weekend`s award ceremony, but he looks set to gain his revenge next week.

He will become the third Real Madrid player to win the Balon d`Or, following in the footsteps of Alfredo di Stefano and Raymond Kopa.