AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has praised God after being crowned the Fifa world player of the year.

Kaka was named winner in a ceremony in Zurich on Monday after winning 1,047 votes in a poll of national coaches and captains.

Lionel Messi came second with 504 votes, while Cristiano Ronaldo ranked third with 426 votes.

Devout Christian Kaka gave God the glory as he accepted his award.

"It's really special for me - it was a dream for me just to play for Sao Paulo and one game for Brazil," he said.

"But the Bible says God can give you more than you even ask for and that is what has happened in my life.

"I had always thought about winning this award, but there are always doubts until it is actually confirmed.

"It is not just this award but the whole year that has been very nice. Winning the Champions League and everything that has happened, it's just been wonderful."