Milan playmaker Kaka has won the 2007 Ballon d'Or, beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the prestigious prize.
The Brazilian was an inspirational figure in Milan's UEFA Champions League success last season and had been a strong favourite for the award.
He came out on top in his duel with Ronaldo, when the Italian giants beat Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The 25-year-old received 444 points in a France Football poll of 96 journalists, with Ronaldo collecting 277 points in second place.
Kaka succeeds Italy's Fabio Cannavaro as recipient of the Ballon d'Or, while Ronaldinho was the last Brazilian to win the award in 2005.
Upon receiving the award, Kaka said: "It has been a sensational year in which I also won the Champions League.
"I thank God for being here and lifting up this award. I must say that this award is the conclusion of a really sensational year.
"I thank my wife, my parents. I also thank Milan, the coach, my team-mates. It's beautiful being part of such a brilliant side and you can't win it without them.
"It's the top prize around and the only way to win something like this is to play for a team like AC Milan. It's great to be part of a team that wins."
Kaka is expected to return to Milan on Sunday afternoon to parade the award in front of Rossoneri supporters.
Meanwhile, Kaka, Ronaldo and Barcelona ace Messi are on the three-man short list for the Fifa World Player of the Year, which will be determined later this month.
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