Originally Posted by BBC Sport
AC Milan forward Kaka has been named FIFPro world player of the year.

The 25-year-old Brazilian claimed the accolade after 45,000 members of the players' union voted in the awards, which are in their third year.

He said: "I am humbled to receive such an honour. To follow my good friend and such a great player as Ronaldinho makes this a very special award."

England's John Terry and Steven Gerrard, were in the World XI with Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kaka was instrumental in Milan's Champions League triumph, sealed with a victory over Liverpool in Athens in May, ending as top scorer with 10 goals including three in the semi-final win over Manchester United.

Gotta say, the guy has done some amazing stuff, but I was surprised not to see Lionel Messi pick up the award, he has had a stunning season, and Kaka seemed to play better in 2005 and 2006 then this season. Having said that though, AC winning the Champions League will have had some bearing on it.

FIFPro World XI:

- Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus)

- Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan)
- Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/Real Madrid)
- John Terry (England/Chelsea)
- Carles Puyol (Spain/Barcelona)

- Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (England/Manchester United)
- Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona)

- Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea)
- Ronaldinho (Brazil/Barcelona)