Some 45,000 professional soccer players across the globe anointed AC Milan forward Ricardo Kaka as the game’s best player in 2007. Members of the global players’ union, FIFPro, voted on the award, dubbed the FIFPro World Player of the Year, which had gone to Kaka’s Brazil teammate, Ronaldinho, in 2005 and 2006.
“I am humbled to receive such an honor,” the 25-year-old told reporters. “To follow my good friend and such a great player as Ronaldinho makes this a very special award for me. To be recognized by my fellow professional players worldwide is amazing.” Kaka led Milan to the Champions League title last season, scoring 10 goals in the competition including three during the semifinal tie against Manchester United. The award, in its third year, is thought to be a precursor to the European and World Player of the Year awards, for which Kaka is also a frontrunner.