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Kaka Named FIFA's World Player of Year

  •   Tue, Dec 18 2007 10:53:08 AM

Reuters


Kaka, Ronaldo Cristiano and Messi Lionel

Zurich, Dec 18 (mb): 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."

Ballon d'Or

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. 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Denzil Fernandes, Dubai

    Wed, Dec 19 2007

    Just as the great Pele said, Brazil's world class footballer Kaka is a great example off the pitch too. And, for every sportsman and sportswoman, that is what matters most. Everyone looks at the famous international stars for various qualities which they try to copy or inherit. May be their playing style, their manners, habits and many such qualities.

    If he has a great behaviour everyone tries to behave similarly. Kaka is both gentle and a self disciplined star who has set a great example for every other player. Never arrogant even once on the field even though he plays a game that calls for agression perhaps.

    He is truly a christian sole in every sense of the word following the noble ideals which he has set himself for the whole world to emulate. From what I have read, Kaka plans to spend his time doing charity and missionary work once he stops playing football. Kaka has won almost every title which most players only dream of. He has been Brazil's star performer and has fittingly been ed to be the FIFA World Player of the year.

    Kaka being a man with simple qualities will go a long way in enhancing his reputation both as a great footballer and a greater human being in the years to come. Congrats Kaka !

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