FIFA [ Images ] named Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo [ Images ], Brazil's [ Images ] Kaka [ Images ] and Argentina's Lionel Messi [ Images ] on Friday as the three finalists for the 2007 World Player of the Year award.

The world soccer body 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 [ Images ] and Real Madrid [ Images ] from last year's competition, will be announced at the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on Dec 17.

If Kaka gets the nod it is likely to mean a double triumph, with the Brazilian set to be named winner of the Ballon d'Or on Sunday.

Kaka was the inspiration behind AC Milan's [ Images ] Champions League [ Images ] 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.

Messi was in the Argentina side that lost that match.

The Barcelona [ Images ] forward, still only 20, missed out on the Spanish title last season - won by Real Madrid. Among the highlights of his year was the hat-trick he scored in a 3-3 draw with Real in the Primera Liga.

Ronaldo, 22, led Manchester United [ Images ] to the Premier League title last season, scoring 17 league goals.

He also helped United reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they lost to Milan.