AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has been named Fifa's world player of
the year, beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the honour
in Zurich.
Kaka's latest award crowns a superb year in which he led AC Milan
to Champions League victory this season, scoring 10 goals in the
process.
In a poll of all national coaches and captains, Kaka polled 1,047
votes, Messi 504 and Ronaldo 426.
The 25-year-old was named European player of the year earlier this
month.
Kaka, a devout Christian, said he had never expected to reach such
heights in the sport.
"It's really special for me - it was a dream for me just to play
for Sao Paulo and one game for Brazil," he said.
"But the Bible says God can give you more than you even ask for and
that is what has happened in my life.
"I had always thought about winning this award, 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."
Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was fourth in the
voting with 209, while 2004 and 2005 winner Ronaldinho came
fifth.
In the women's player of the year award, Brazil's Marta won for the
second year running, beating Germany's World Cup-winning captain
Birgit Prinz and her fellow Brazilian Cristiane.
Barcelona's gesture of displaying the name of children's fund
Unicef on their shirts was recognised with the Fair Play Award.
