Kaka selected as one of the most influential people in the world

BRASILIA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The midfielder for the soccer team of Milan as well as the Brazilian national team, Kaka, was chosen on Thursday by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world today.

He is the only soccer player to make the list. The only other South American to make the prestigious list was Bolivian president, Evo Morales.

In the article on Kaka, the American goalkeeper, Kasey Keller, stated that Kaka is known not only for this many achievements on the field, such as the title for the League of Champions and for being selected as the world's best soccer player by FIFA, but for his actions off the field as well.

Keller said, "In 2004, Kaka became the ambassador to the UN in the battle against world hunger. He is also very devoted to his faith. Kaka has admitted publicly that he would like to become a priest after he retires from the sport. After having won the title as the world's best player, he lifted up his shirt and showed another shirt beneath reading 'I belong to Jesus.' I question whether or not a soccer stadium is the best place to promote religion, however, in a day where athletes are more concerned with cars, women and polemic issues, it is refreshing to see someone who is trying to have a positive influence on those people around him," said the goalie in favor of Kaka being selected.

Other sports figures to make the list are the ex-tennis star, Andre Agassi, the ex-cyclist, Lance Armstrong, the women's golf pro from Mexico, Lorena Ochoa, and the South African paraplegic Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius.

Kaka was given the 29th position out of the top 100 and is considered to be the most influential Brazilian on the planet.