[Guest_fresh_prince7_*]

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)

[arivanjj]

Maradona disputes Kaka throne

Former Napoli and Argentina legend Diego Maradona has questioned the decision to award Kaka the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian ace was presented the prestigious award on Sunday and is expected to add FIFA’s World Player of the Year prize in Zurich on December 17.

Few in the football community doubt Kaka’s credentials after his inspirational role in Milan’s Champions League triumph last term, but Maradona doesn’t believe the Brasilia native was a worthy winner.

“I don’t think that it was quite the right choice,” the 47-year-old told journalists.

“In my opinion Lionel Messi is without a doubt the best, followed by Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme, but also Wayne Rooney and Ronaldinho.”

Maradona made himself still more unpopular in Milan by dismissing the Diavolo’s chances of securing the Club World Cup in Japan later this month.

“Everyone is talking about Milan, but the Rossoneri are Kaka-dependent,” he roared. “I’m backing Boca.”


Channel4

[redbabies]

Maradona disputes Kaka throne

“In my opinion Lionel Messi is without a doubt the best, followed by Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme, but also Wayne Rooney and Ronaldinho.”

Channel4

I can understand some people that admire Messi more than KAKA (eventhough they're not RIGHT too (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) ), but saying that Aguero is 2nd best player in the world, Riquleme 3rd..... makes me laugh.

And if he wouldn't be that "modest" he would countinue with the 4rth being again from Argentina (Tevez).... than 5th someone like Cambiaso (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) and so on...

[arivanjj]

And if he wouldn't be that "modest" he would countinue with the 4rth being again from Argentina (Tevez).... than 5th someone like Cambiaso  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) and so on...

well yeah he surely would've said that, but then he woulda known that the journalists wouldn't even publish it.