Milan's mid-fielder Kaka is the most popular player in Brazil, while the FIFA world player Cristiano Ronaldo occupies only the fifth place.

According to a survey conducted by TNS Sport at the end of 2008,Kaka is the favorite of 23.38% of fans in Brazil, representing almost one in every four Brazilians.

In the previous research conducted in last year, Kaka obtained 17.60% of the votes and occupied the second place. Ronaldinho Gaucho was the most popular player with 19.17% of the votes but lost his title this time with only 16.74%.

The two players are followed by Robinho, who received 8.56%. Ronaldo occupies the fourth place (3.88%).

The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, who this week won the title of FIFA world best player, was the fifth most cited, with 3.18% of popular preference.

The list follows with Rogerio Ceni (2.90%), Romario (2.21%), Marcos (1.50%), Alexandre Pato (1.11%) and Pele (0.83%).

7,007 interviews were conducted in 356 Brazilian municipalities.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2009)