Now FIFA have followed suit by giving him worldwide recognition.
Director of communications Keith Cooper said: "His past reputation didn't come into it at all and those people who know Paolo Di Canio will tell you he never deserved it anyway. This gesture was taken on its own merits.
People like him who are impetuous are as likely to do something very honourable as they are to do something dishonourable.
"There is often a lot of criticism of people like him when they do something bad, so why not honour people when they do something good."
Di Canio was awarded the fair play award jointly with Ghanaian teenager Sumaila Abdallah, an amateur who saved the life of an opponent by giving him the kiss of life.
They beat three rival nominations which included Liverpool's fans for their behaviour after their UEFA Cup Final triumph over Alaves in Dortmund earlier this year.
Cooper added: "One or two of the committee members already knew about Di Canio's gesture before today. One of the features of the Premiership is it is widely watched. What he did will have been seen in many countries around the world."
At the time of the incident Gerrard said: "I was genuinely injured and Paolo realised that. He has a reputation as a controversial character but I owe him a thank-you for what he did.
"I have never experienced anything like that before. When you are on the pitch you do everything you can to win but Paolo put my welfare first and I appreciate that."
