Matt Damon is 'sexiest man alive'

Damon plays a former CIA hitman in the Bourne series

Bourne Ultimatum star Matt Damon has been named the sexiest man alive in 2007 by People magazine.

But the 37-year-old actor initially refused the title, which has previously been given to his Ocean's Thirteen co-stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Damon wrote a letter to the magazine saying he didn't feel worthy of the accolade, suggesting American footballer Tom Brady be named instead.

"You've given an aging suburban dad the ego-boost of a lifetime," he added.

People said Damon's refusal "perfectly demonstrated" the reasons why he was chosen for the title.

'Heart-melting humility'

His "irresistible sense of humour, heart-melting humility" and "rock-solid family man" status made him the logical winner, it said.

Damon has a one-year-old daughter, Isabella, and a nine-year-old stepdaughter, Alexia, with wife Luciana Bozan.

Other stars in the running for the sexiest man title this year included David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey, Jake Gyllenhaal, Matthew McConaughey, Justin Timberlake, and Will Smith.

The award has been running since 1985, when it was given to Mel Gibson.

Last year George Clooney took the top spot for the second time. The actor joked with People that, while he was reluctant to give up the crown, he and Brad Pitt had been campaigning on Damon's behalf for years.