Dec. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Brazil playmaker Kaka, who helped AC Milan win Europe's elite Champions League last season, today received the Ballon d'Or, or ``Golden Ball,'' award for the best player in world soccer.

The 25-year-old joins countrymen Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo in taking the award, which this year is open for a first time to players at clubs outside of Europe. Previously, the winner was known as the European footballer of the year.

``This is very special for me -- it culminates an astonishing year for me,'' Kaka told reporters in Paris. ``It's the top prize around, and the only way to win something like this is to play for a team like AC Milan.''

Kaka, whose full name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, took the 52nd annual award after heading a poll of journalists organized by France Football magazine. Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was second and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi third, the magazine said on its Web site.

Kaka finished as top scorer in the Champions League last season, with 10 goals, to help Milan reach the final for a third time in five years. It beat Liverpool 2-1 to avenge a loss against the English team two years earlier and collect the trophy for a seventh time.

Milan has already advanced from the competition's group stage this season with one round of matches remaining and can ensure top spot by avoiding defeat against Celtic in two days. It has struggled in Italy's Serie A and is still without a home league win after a 0-0 draw against Juventus yesterday.

Contract Extension

Kaka immediately established himself as a regular at Milan after joining from Sao Paulo in 2003 and has also collected a Serie A title, two European Super Cups and the Italian Super Cup since moving to Italy.

He has become one of the most sought-after players in soccer, with his skills earning endorsements with Adidas AG, the second-largest sporting goods maker, and fashion house Giorgio Armani SpA.

Kaka is set to sign a contract extension at Milan that will make him the sport's top-earner, Gazzetta dello Sport reported last month. He currently makes 6 million euros ($8.8 million) a year, while his Brazil teammate Ronaldinho receives 8 million euros at Barcelona, the newspaper said.

World soccer's ruling body, FIFA, has had its own player of the year award since 1991. For the past two years the same player has won both FIFA's accolade and the Ballon d'Or: Ronaldinho in 2005 and Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

FIFA will announce the winner of its award on Dec. 17.

To contact the reporter on this story: James Cone in London at jcone@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: December 2, 2007 09:39 EST