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Ballon d'Or: Kaka crowned
Sunday 2 December, 2007

It is now official – Milan star Kaka is the 2007 Player of the Year after he was assigned the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian had been the over-riding favourite since voting began among the journalists all over the continent.

Previously known as the European Player of the Year award, organisers ‘France Football’ have recently extended the competition to those all over the world.

“It was an exceptional year and the Ballon d’Or crowns an extraordinary 2007,” said Kaka as he accepted the award in Paris.

“I want to thank God who allowed me to be here today. I thank my wife, my parents and Milan, the team that allowed me to win.

“I also thank my teammates, both at Milan and Brazil, and all of the fans.”

Kaka was the hot favourite after winning the Champions League – where he was top scorer with 10 goals – and the European Super Cup with the Rossoneri.

‘Ricky’ succeeds Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who won both the 2006 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year trophies after his World Cup triumph.

In all eight Ballon d’Ors have gone to Milan players after Gianni Rivera (1969), Ruud Gullit (1987), Marco van Basten (1988, ’89, ’92), George Weah (1995) and Andriy Shevchenko (2004).

(channel4.com)

[Warchant]

PARIS (AP) - AC Milan midfielder Kaka won the Golden Ball award Sunday after helping the Italian club win the Champions League title this year with some standout performances.

The 25-year-old Brazil international scored 10 goals in the competition with his two-goal performance at Manchester United in the semifinals being hailed as one of the best of the tournament.

"It has been a special year for me, this award underlines that," Kaka said. "The only way to win an award like this is to belong to a team which fights."

Kaka received 444 points from France Football magazine, which organized the vote. Portugal and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was second with 277, while Argentina and FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi finished third with 255.

"I have to thank my coach (Carlo Ancelotti), who has always given me confidence, always played me, even in difficult times over these four years," Kaka said on Italy's Sky TV. "I want to become the captain of this team and I think the best person to learn from is Paolo Maldini."

Kaka has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months, but Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is determined Kaka will stay.

"It's a fantastic story," Galliani said. "With this prize, he's No. 1 in the world and I assure you he will remain with Milan."

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro won the award last year after leading his team to the World Cup title in Germany, but the 52 journalists were only allowed to vote for a player from a European club.

This year's format was different, involving 96 journalists and a shortlist of 50 players worldwide.

Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was fourth with 108 points, and Italy and Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo finished fifth with 41.

After helping Real Madrid win the Spanish league title, striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was sixth. Brazil forward Ronaldinho, the 2005 winner, dropped to 12th, and France striker Thierry Henry was 19th.

congrats kaka! i hope this is one of many more!