(FIFA.com)
Brazilian duo Kaká and Marta are the FIFA World Player and FIFA Women’s World Player for 2007. The two stars received their prestigious awards at the 17th FIFA World Player Gala at the Zurich Opera House on 17 December 2007. Whereas Kaká was making his debut at the FIFA World Player Gala, Marta has successfully defended the crown she won last year.
Kaká’s triumph is most notably due to his outstanding performances for AC Milan, with whom he won this year’s UEFA Champions League. The attacking midfielder reaped 1,047 points in the vote, in which the coaches and captains of 165 national teams took part. Second place was claimed by Argentina’s Lionel Messi on 504 points, with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo third on 426. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were also making their first appearances at the FIFA World Player Gala.
In the women’s vote, Marta (988 points) comfortably won ahead of Birgit Prinz (507) – FIFA Women’s World Player in 2003, 2004 and 2005 – and another first-time nominee, Brazil’s Cristiane (150). The coaches and captains of 137 national teams cast their vote for the women’s award. An overview of the results can be found on www.FIFA.com .
It was also announced today that Argentina were the top team in 2007 according to the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, followed by Brazil and Italy. Mozambique claimed the Best Mover award ahead of Norway and New Caledonia.
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