RIO DE JANEIRO - Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni has been crowned the Campeonato Brasileiro's player of the year.
Ceni, who led Sao Paulo to a second league title in a row, retained the Craque do Brasileirao award he also won last year at the ceremony organised by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in the Rio de Janeiro City Theatre.
Palmeiras midfielder Jorge Valdivia and Nautico Uruguayan striker Alberto Acosta finished second and third respectively.
Ceni conceded just 19 goals in 38 league ggames but lauded the whole team for having helped him retain the accolade.
"This is a title all Sao Paulo players deserve more than just me," he said. "It is all a result of teamwork."
The custodian was also given the Craque da Torcida award after collecting the 51.56% of fans' votes.
Valdivia was second, above Felipe, the keeper of giants Corinthians who have been relegated for the first time.
Felipe was disappointed about his team's campaign, but found time to pay tribute to Ceni.
He said: "It's very difficult for a keeper to be the most important Campeonato Brasileiro player two years in a row.
"He totally deserves it. He is the best player in this country."
Ceni, along with four Sao Paulo team-mates, was also part of the CBF Team of the Year, who will play the national Under-23 side in a friendly on Sunday at Rio de Janeiro's Joao Havelange stadium.
The Team of the Year was formed by Ceni, Leo Moura (Flamengo), Breno (Sao Paulo), Miranda (Sao Paulo), Kleber (Santos), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Ibson (Flamengo), Valdivia (Palmeiras), Acosta (Nautico) and Josiel (Parana).
Sao Paulo boss Muricy Ramalho was voted Coach of the Year, with Flamengo's Joel Santana and Palmeiras' Caio Junior also on the podium.
