Barcelona's Brazilian forward Rivaldo was voted FIFA's world player of the year for 1999 on Monday.

The Brazilian proved the best in a poll of 140 national team coaches with 91 of the leading trainers putting him at the top of their lists.

England and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham and Argentine Gabriel Batistuta were second and third respectively in the poll. Some 18 coaches named Beckham as their top player with five voting for Batistuta.

Two other Manchester United players -- strikers Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke -- were included in the top 10 players. Last year's winner, France's Zinedine Zidane, finished fourth.

Rivaldo guided Brazil to the Copa America and Barcelona to the Spanish league titles and was named European Player of the Year last month.

Rivaldo became the third Brazilian to win the award following Romario in 1994 and Ronaldo in 1996 and 1997.

Brazil were named team of the year after remaining number one in the world rankings throughout the year.

Slovenia won an award for being the most improved team of the year while the New Zealand "football community" won FIFA's Fair Play prize. (Xinhua)