Sao Paulo's midfielder Hernanes was elected Brazil's best soccer player of 2008 on Thursday.

Hernanes played a key role in Sao Paulo that won their sixth Brazilian soccer championship title in 2008.

Hernanes received the award from the Brazilian Confederation of Soccer on Thursday.

However, Hernanes was left off the all-star team of talent on the American continent. His compatriots Thiago Silva, Alex and Nilmar all received the honor of being included in the 2008 "dream team"

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2009)