FIFPro, the world players’ union have announced their World Player of the Year and World XI. Milan’s brilliant Brazilian Kaká has lifted the 2006-2007 title. The award was made to a delighted Kaká today in Milan.
FIFPro’s (Fédération Internationale des FootballeursProfessionels) 57,500 members around the globe cast their votes and Champion’s League winner Kaká came out on top. He takes over from fellow countryman Ronaldhino who has held the title for the last two years.
Milan’s Kaká commented: “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 for me.
To be recognized by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Milan and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support. Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world.
‘My aim is to keep on listening and learning from others and to keep improving as a player and as a person, it is a privilege to be a professional footballer and it is our duty to work hard to be the best we can be for our team mates, supporters, club and country and to earn the respect of fellow men.’
FIFPro President Philippe Piat comments: ‘Kaká is a great credit to world football, in addition to being a great player and now recognised by his fellow professionals as the best in the World, he is also a great ambassador for football and professional footballers around the globe.’
FIFPro members also voted for their team of the year. The side was comprised of four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
Spanish giants Barcelona provided three of the players. The side also featured four players from the Barclay’s Premier League, four from La PrimeraDivisión in Spain and three from Serie A in Italy.
The FIFPro World XI is:
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus)
Defenders – Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/Real Madrid), John Terry (England/Chelsea) and CarlesPuyol (Spain/Barcelona)
Midfielders – Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (England/Manchester United) and Ricardo Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan).
Forwards – Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), and Ronaldhino (Brazil/Barcelona)
The World XI as voted by Australian players is:
Cech
Nesta Cannavaro Terry Maldini
- Ronaldo Kaká Gerrard
Messi Drogba Ronaldinho
FIFPro World Player of the Year:
- Ronaldo
In 2006, Socceroo Lucas Neill was selected by his fellow Aussies following his outstanding performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
