Kaka named FIFA's World Player of Year

Zurich: AC Milan playmaker Kaka added to his remarkable haul of trophies and titles late 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.

Heavy favourite

"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 the 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 nominees.

"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.

Compatriot Marta completed Brazil's clean sweep at the gala when she was named women's World Player for the second year running.

FACTFILE

- Born: April 22, 1982 in Brasilia, Brazil.

- Makes an immediate impact for Sao Paulo, scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances in the 2001 season.

- Plays only 18 minutes in the 2002 World Cup, won by Brazil.

- Moves to AC Milan in 2003 and makes his debut on September 1 in a 2-0 win over Ancona. He goes on to score 10 league goals and four Champions League goals in his first season and then spurs Milan to the Serie A title in 2004.

- Helps Brazil to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2006 during which he signs a contract extension with Milan which is due to keep him at the San Siro until 2011.

- Real Madrid make their interest well-known following the World Cup and Kaka firmly establishes himself as one of the best players in the world as he inspires Milan to their seventh European Cup title in 2007.

- Wins 2007 Fifa Pro World Player of the Year honour and 2007 Ballon d'Or award.

- Beats Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Fifa's World Player of the Year award.