Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi was named the 2009 FIFA World Player in the ceremony held in Zurich.
Ali Daei, former Iran striker and coach, had been invited to attend the ceremony by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Daei is a member of FIFA Football Committee. He will return to Iran on Wednesday.
The best football player of the year is an award given annually to the best male and female players based on votes by coaches and captains of international teams.
Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi had voted for Kaka, and Iran captain Javad Nekounam had selected Messi as his favorite.