Kaka Wins Ballon D'or

Kaka, the Milan play maker, has become the first player to win the prestigious Ballon D'Or since the award was extended to include votes from a worldwide representation of journalists.

He was the clear winner in a poll of 96 writers, who rewarded him for winning the Champions League with Milan and scoring ten goals in the process. Cristiano Ronaldo was a distant second after scoring 17 goals as Manchester United reclaimed the Premiership title.

Until last year, the Ballon D'Or winner was selected by a poll of European journalists. However, the rules have now been changed to encompass votes from football writers across the world, further enhancing the award's cachet.

The journalists voted on players from a shortlist of 50, which included four currently registered with clubs outside Europe.

Fifa will name their world footballer of the year on December 17 and both Kaka and Ronaldo are in their shortlist of three. The winner of the Fifa title is chosen by a poll of the managers and captains from every national team.