FIFA crown Kaka World Player of the Year

AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has been named World player of the year at FIFA's annual Gala in Zurich tonight, beating fellow nominees Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the honour.

Kaka's latest award crowns a superb year for the 25-year-old, after his selection as European player of the year earlier this month.

"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."

In a poll of all the national coaches and captains, Kaka polled 1,047 votes, Barcelona's Argentine youngster Messi recieved 504 and Manchester United's Portuguese forward Ronaldo finished third with 426.

Kaka, who helped to steer his club to the 2007 Champions League title, received the prestigious Ballon d'Or award handed out by France Football magazine following a survey of sports journalists around the world.

He was also named World Player of the Year last week by World Soccer magazine, following a poll of fans in 48 countries.

Additional honours have included UEFA's club footballer of the year, Champions League best forward and Champions League top scorer awards and the FIFPro world player of the Year title, voted on by Kaka's fellow professionals.

Source: FIFA / Reuters