On the top step of the podium, AC Milan's Brazilian star is beyond the shadow of a doubt the clear winner, beating wonderkids Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the title. The first worldwide version of the France Football trophy couldn't have crowned a better champion. 444 points. A tidal wave of votes from all around the world. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, also known Kaka, hadn't envisaged such a success. But what a triumph it turned out to be, with 78 first place votes going his way across all continents. Kaka, 25 years old, tall stature and charming features, is the ideal victor of the first worldwide France Football Golden Ball, true to his perfect image. He took the trophy undisputed, almost naturally, mentioned by all voters, except Bosnia, after a magnificent Champions League campaign, where his numerous and often decisive goals (10) led Milan to the ultimate victory over Liverpool in the final. His talent has been acknowledged and respected over the years, whether it be at club level or international, and he has legitimately become the uncontested champion, elected by all, from Costa Rica to Ghana, through to Italy and even New Zealand. Nothing can tarnish the Brazilian's title, in this new worldwide format of the trophy, which barely enabled players performing outside Europe to collect a few points, such as Iraqi forward Mahmoud, or the two keepers, Brazilian Ceni and Mexican Ochoa. Fitting perfectly alongside the all-time legends who make the history of the Golden Ball so unique, Kaka has become the boss, as countrymen Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo have before him. He's the fourth Brazilian to receive this honour, at a time when the Golden Ball goes global (jury, leagues, tournaments), as well as the flag bearer of the trophy's refreshing new look (he's 8 years younger than his predecessor Cannavaro). What is even more impressive with the Milan ace's success is the gap he leaves behind him. Trailing respectively 167 and 189 points adrift, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi seem miles away but proudly fulfil the podium. Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi : a trio of geniuses. Three artists who give a whole new meaning to inspiration in every one of their moves, each on their own level, promoters of a promising future and advocates of spectacular, free-flowing football. Respectively fourth and fifth in the rankings, Didier Drogba and Andrea Pirlo deserve a mention. These two are the same in their own rights and are always looking to go forward. Enticing and seducing, the top five dominate the 2007 trophy. Two midfielders, three forwards : the final rankings underline the attacking style of football loved by all. No room, or barely, is made for defenders and goalkeepers. First one to rise from the back is Brazilian Daniel Alves from Sevilla, who barely edges Paolo Maldini. The Italian legend, 39, has never won the Golden Ball, and probably never will, but he's still here and even received the first place vote from the English jury. Buffon and Cech share 19th place; the Italian keeper probably came as close as he ever will last year (he came second behind Cannavaro). The unique Ronaldinho, crowned in 2005, put up a bit of a fight in 12th position but the tables have turned. A new generation is rising, young and blessed with talent, with, at its helm (and in order), Ibrahimovic (7th), Fabregas (8th) and Robinho (9th). Full of ambition, Kaka is « already thinking of a second Golden Ball », as he explains in an interview in Tuesday'sFrance football magazine. The sky is the limit for this group of promising stars, destined to rule on world football and write a new story. Will a French player come and join them? Franck Ribéry, 17th, still has some distance to cover while Thierry Henry has lost the pace with regards to his scores in the previous rankings. We now have to wait a whole year before Benzema, Ben Arfa and Nasri come get involved with the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Fabregas. Kaka is in good company. Written by Jean-Marie Lorant, translated by Ed Austin
