Kaka named FIFA World Player of the Year

Kaka, 25, beat fellow nominees Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the annual poll of national team coaches and captains.

Kaka polled 1,047 votes, Messi 504 and Ronaldo 426.

''Tonight is really special for me,'' said Kaka who helped Milan to their seventh European Cup title in May and was inspirational in yesterday's Club World Cup 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 more and that is what has happened in my life.'' - DDNEWS