Brazil and AC Milan midfielder Kaka has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award for 2007.
A Runaway Winner
It has been a spectacular season for Kaka, littered with trophies and awards, and he made sure nobody ran away with the final plaudit of the season.
The Champions League, European Cup and Club World Cup winner saw off the challenge from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the poll of national team coaches and captains to win by more than 500 points.
He had 1,047 points while Messi had 504 and Ronaldo 426, making it a runaway win like in the Ballon d'Or.
Didier Drogba was fourth, a further 200 points off, with 209, while Ronaldinho came in fifth.
A Special Night
"Tonight is really special for me," said Kaka.
"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.
"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."
A Word For Local Rivals
The Milan man was also asked about the derby clash against Inter this weekend.
"We want to do well because it's the last game of the season and a great chance to recover some lost ground," he said.
"If we then also win the three games we have to recover, we can rise up the table and get close to the teams on top.
"We are not afraid of anyone."
Pele PraisePele, who gave away the award, said: "Christiano Ronaldo and Messi have played some great football this year but they are not yet the most prominent players in their national teams."
Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four years now, he helps out in the midfield and he is also a great example off the pitch. He is the complete player."
