Worst-Kept Secret of ‘07: Kaka Wins Golden Ball

My, what a fresh-faced, well-scrubbed, clean-cut, toothy young man AC Milan’s Ricky Kaka is, isn’t he?

He’s also the proud winner of the 2007 Golden Ball, the award bestowed by France Football magazine on the European footballer of the year. We found out last night that Kaka beat out Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd) and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (3rd) for the award.

So much young and pretty, all in one place. Good thing I’m old and cynical, or I’d be swooning and unable to type.

If you’re looking for fun, go in and read the Football.fr article. The translator was obviously going for literal rather than “how an English speaker would say it,” so you get fun little nuggets like:

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.

It’s a tiny step up from Google translate, but still a bit like driving a car stuck in first gear. (And hey! Bosnia! What the hell is wrong with you?!?!)

But I like Kaka and don’t want to denigrate. Plus, according to my favorite guilty pleasure Kickette, who is never wrong on these things, he also has a pregnant wife. So congratulations, Ricky!

Martha has the full list with vote tallies over at Italy Offside. My personal favorite line: 36. Eric Abidal, David Beckham, Deco, Mahamadou Diarra, Diego, Miroslav Klose, Florent Malouda, Shunsuke Nakamura, Ricardo Quaresma, Raul, Paul Scholes, Luca Toni, Kolo Touré, José Fernando Torres et David Villa, 0 pt.

Ouch.

Next, stay tuned for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in Zurich on Dec. 17.

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Category: Europe, World Football