Name of the game

The best soccer player in the world right now resides in Brazil, plays his club ball in Europe, and is known worldwide by a one-word nickname.

But it isn't Barcelona's Ronaldhino, previously crowned as the world's best. No, it's the man whose name brings a snicker to your face every time you say it - Kaka.

The AC Milan midfielder galvanized his rise to the top by carving up Manchester United in the two-leg semifinal before playing an instrumental part in Milan's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final Wednesday, the seventh European Cup title for the Italian club.

Kaka's brilliance on the ball is every bit as divine as Manchester's Cristiano Ronaldo - and without the aggravating abundance of stepovers. The way he mesmerized United defenders and goalie Edwin Van der Sar was a treat to watch. And it also gave a thrill to ESPN's Tommy Smyth, who spoke at length about the amazing performance.

So snicker all you want the next time you say the name Kaka, but the smile on your face will stay when you watch him play.

Bryan Davis, Assistant Sports Editor