LUCERNE (Switzerland), Dec 1: FIFA named Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil’s Kaka and Argentina’s Lionel Messi on Friday as the three finalists for the 2007 World Player of the Year award. FIFA said the trio were confirmed after a poll of coaches and captains of national teams around the world selected them from a 30-strong shortlist.

The winner, who will succeed Fabio Cannavaro of Italy and Real Madrid from last year’s competition, will be announced at the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on Dec 17.

Kaka was the inspiration behind AC Milan’s Champions League success last season, finishing top scorer in the competition with 10 goals. The 25-year-old opted to sit out the Copa America but he was hardly missed, as Brazil went on to take the trophy with a 3-0 victory over Argentina in the final.—Reuters