The Brazilian soccer player Hernanes, who plays for Sao Paulo, was selected on Tuesday as the world's most promising soccer player.

The title was given by the British newspaper, The Times. The athlete ousted other big name players like Karim Benzeam, David Silva and Falcao Garcia.

"I am thrilled to receive such a prestigious title. I am quite happy. It even inspires me to continue by hard work and to attempt to live up to the expectations created. I want to play well not only for me, but for the fans and the press as well," said Hernanes.

The athlete was not the only player from Sao Paulo to be on the list of promising soccer players. The team's fullback, Miranda, was ranked 39th. Other Brazilian players that were nominated were: Thiago Silva, ranked 20th, Carlos Eduardo, ranked 11th, Fabio da Silva, ranked 9th and Douglas Costa, ranked 5th.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2009)