Kaka tips Ronaldo for award

Updated 17.03 Sun Jul 13 2008

Keywords: world footballer of the year, kaka, world player of the year, ac milan, milan, manchester united, cristiano ronaldo, premier league, sport, football

The reigning world footballer of the year has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to win the title this year.

Brazil midfielder Kaka topped the 2007 poll after helping Milan win the European Cup.

"I believe that the number one candidate is still Cristiano Ronaldo" - Kaka

This year, Ronaldo was the key man as United clinched the trophy and the Portugal winger has been in outstanding form in all competitions.

Kaka said: "I believe that the number one candidate is still Cristiano Ronaldo, above all for what he did and won in the Champions League with Manchester United."

Since the world player of the year award was introduced in 1991, it has never been won by a footballer based in England.

Ronaldo would be the first, but Kaka insists he has not yet given up on defending the prestigious title.

He added: "For me there's still half a season, so we'll see.

"It will be a different season with lots of new inpsirations."