ZURICH, Dec 17 (Reuters) - AC Milan playmaker Kaka added to his remarkable haul of trophies and titles on Monday when he was named FIFA World Player 2007.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international beat Barcelona
forward Lionel Messi and Manchester United winger Cristiano
Ronaldo in the annual poll of national team coaches and
captains.
Kaka collected more points than the combined total of the
other two nominees, world soccer's governing body FIFA said
after the ceremony here. He won 1,047 votes while Argentine
Messi gained 504 and Portuguese Ronaldo picked up 426.
Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was fourth on
209. Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, winner of the
award in 2004 and 2005, came fifth.
'Tonight is really special for me,' said Kaka, who helped
Milan to their seventh European Cup title in May and was also
inspirational in Sunday's 4-2 Club World Cup final victory over
Argentina's Boca Juniors.
'When I was young I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and
playing just one game for the national team. That was it...but
the Bible says God gives us more than we ask for and that is
what has happened in my life.'
Kaka, a devoted Christian, was a heavy favourite to win
Monday's prize after landing France Football magazine's
prestigious Ballon d'Or and World Soccer magazine's World Player
of the Year accolade.
'I had always thought about winning this (FIFA) award,' said
Kaka. 'But there are always doubts until it is actually
confirmed.
'It is not just this award but the whole year that has been
very nice. Winning the Champions League and everything that has
happened, it's just been wonderful.'
Kaka received his prize from compatriot and three-times
World Cup winner Pele, who was himself given FIFA's presidential
award for his lifetime contribution to the sport.
Although Kaka was rested for Brazil's successful Copa
America campaign in June and July, Pele said his success with
the national team had helped set him apart from the other
nominated players.
'Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have played some great football
this year but they are not yet the most prominent players in
their national teams,' Pele said.
'Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four
years now, he helps out in midfield and he is also a great
example off the pitch. He's the complete player.'
Compatriot Marta completed Brazil's clean sweep at Monday's
gala when she was named women's World Player for the second year
running.
