“PFA Scotland members vote for World Player of the Year”
What higher accolade could be given to a player than to be chosen as the best by your own colleagues? Members of PFA Scotland (a subsidiary of the world players’ union FIFPro) have been invited, along with thousands of footballers from around the world, to nominate the best players of the 2007/08 season.
57,500 members around the globe will cast their votes; Kaka came out on top in 2007, taking the crown from fellow countryman Ronaldhino, who had held the title for two years running.
2007 winner Kaka 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…Thank you to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world.”
FIFPro President Philippe Piat commented: ‘Kaka 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 Primera Division in Spain and three from Serie A in Italy.
The FIFPro World XI 06/07 was:
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus)
Defenders - Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/Real Madrid), John Terry (England/Chelsea) and Carles Puyol (Spain/Barcelona)
Midfielders - Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Manchester United) and Ricardo Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan).
Forwards – Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), and Ronaldhino (Brazil/Barcelona)
