This article is about the Brazilian footballer born in 1982. For the Brazilian football defender born in 1981, seeKaká (footballer, born 1981). For other uses, seeKaka.
In thisPortuguese name, the first or maternalfamily name isdos Santos and the second or paternal family name isLeite.
In 2001, at age 18, Kaká made his professional debut at Brazilian clubSão Paulo. He later joinedItalian clubAC Milan in 2003. Kaká helped Milan win the Serie A title in his first season. Milan finished runner-up in the2004–05 UEFA Champions League with Kaká being the top assist provider of the tournament and being named theUEFA Club Midfielder of the Year. He led Milan to win the2006–07 UEFA Champions League and was the tournament's top goalscorer. His performances saw him win theFIFA World Player of the Year, the2007 Ballon d'Or, and theUEFA Club Footballer of the Year. After six years with Milan, Kaká joinedReal Madrid in 2009 for a transfer fee of €67 million,[15] which was the secondhighest transfer fee at the time. However, his four seasons in Madrid were plagued with injuries, which saw his pace decline. He returned to AC Milan for a single season in 2013, prior to joiningMLS expansion clubOrlando City SC. He initially went on loan to his former club São Paulo before returning to Orlando in 2015 and retiring from professional football in 2017.
Between 2006 and 2009, he was named in both theFIFA World XI and theUEFA Team of the Year three times. In 2010, he was named in the AC Milan Hall of Fame.[16] One of the world's most famous athletes during his playing career, Kaká was the first sportsperson to amass 10 million followers onTwitter.[17][18] Outside of football, Kaká is known for his humanitarian work, where he became the youngest ambassador of the UNWorld Food Programme in 2004.[19] For his contributions on and off the pitch, Kaká was named byTime as one of theworld's 100 most influential people in 2008 and in 2009.[20]
Early life
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was born on 22 April 1982 inGama in theFederal District of theCentral-West Region ofBrazil to Simone dos Santos, an elementary school Teacher, and Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, acivil engineer.[21] His family was financially secure, which allowed him to focus on school and football at the same time.[22] His younger brotherDigão and cousinEduardo Delani are also professional footballers. Digão called him "Caca" due to his inability to pronounce "Ricardo" when they were young; it eventually evolved intoKaká.[23] The word has no specificPortuguese translation.[24]
When he was seven, Kaká's family moved toSão Paulo in thehomonymous state.[25] His school had arranged him in a local youth club called"Alphaville", who qualified to the final in a local tournament.[26] There, he was discovered by hometown clubSão Paulo FC, who offered him a place in the youth academy.[27] At the age of 18, Kaká suffered a career-threatening spinal fracture as a result of a swimming pool accident,[28][29] but made a full recovery. He attributes his recovery to God and has sincetithed his income to his church.[29]
Club career
São Paulo
Kaká began his career with São Paulo at the age of eight.[27] He signed a contract at 15 and led the São Paulo youth squad toCopa de Juvenil glory. He made his senior side debut on 1 February 2001 and scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, in addition to leading São Paulo to its first and onlyTorneio Rio-São Paulo championship, in which he scored two goals in two minutes as a substitute againstBotafogo in the final, which São Paulo won 2–1.[30]
He scored ten goals in 22 matches the following season, and by this time, his performance was soon attracting attention from European clubs.[31] Kaká made a total of 58 appearances for São Paulo, scoring 23 times.[32]
Kaká was a part of the five-man midfield in the2004–05 season, usually playing in a withdrawn role behind striker Andriy Shevchenko. He was supported byGennaro Gattuso andClarence Seedorf defensively, as well asMassimo Ambrosini, allowing Kaká as theattacking midfielder and Rui Costa orAndrea Pirlo as the deep-lyingplaymaker to be in charge of creating Milan's goalscoring chances, forming a formidable midfield unit in both Italy and Europe. Milan began the season by winning theSupercoppa Italiana against Lazio. He scored seven goals in 36 domestic appearances as Milan finishedrunner-up in theScudetto race. Milan also reached the quarter-finals of theCoppa Italia that season. Kaká played a pivotal role in Milan'sChampions League campaign that season, helping them to reach the final againstLiverpool, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Dubbed the"Miracle of Istanbul", Milan led 3–0 at half time, before Liverpool staged a comeback, scoring three goals in six minutes, and eventually won the match 3–2 on penalties.[36] A match widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in the competition's history, Kaká was imperious in the first half; he first won the early free-kick which led toPaolo Maldini's opening goal, began the play that led toHernán Crespo's first goal and Milan's second of the night, then executed a longcurling pass that split open the Liverpool defence and rolled directly into the path of Crespo to score Milan's third.[36][37][38] Kaká was once again nominated for theBallon d'Or andFIFA World Player of the Year Awards, finishing ninth and eighth respectively, and he was named the2005 UEFA Club Football Best Midfielder.
Kaká presenting a Milan jersey to then-Brazilian presidentLula in 2007
The2005–06 season saw Kaká score his first hat-tricks in domestic competitions. On 9 April 2006, he scored his firstRossoneri hat-trick againstChievo, with all three goals scored in the second half.[39] Milan were knocked out in the semi-finals of the2005–06 Champions League to eventual championsBarcelona, and were once again eliminated in the quarter-finals of theCoppa Italia. Milan also finished once again as runners-up in Serie A, with Kaká scoring 17 goals in the league. After the2006 Calciopoli scandal, however, Milan were deducted 30 points, which placed them in third in the table. Kaká was nominated for theBallon d'Or and theFIFA World Player of the Year Awards for the third consecutive year, finishing 11th and seventh respectively. He was also selected to be part of both theUEFA Team of the Year[40] and theFIFProWorld XI for the first time in his career.[41]
Andriy Shevchenko's departure toChelsea for the2006–07 season allowed Kaká to become the focal point of Milan's offense as he alternated between the midfield and forward positions, operating at times as a striker or as a second striker behind Filippo Inzaghi, as well as in his more typical attacking midfield position. On 2 November 2006, he scored his firstChampions League hat-trick in a 4–1 group stage win over the Belgian sideAnderlecht.[42] He finished as the top scorer in the2006–07 Champions League campaign with ten goals.[43] One of the goals helped theRossoneri eliminateCeltic in the round of 16, 1–0 on aggregate,[44] and he scored three goals againstManchester United in the semi-finals.[45][46] Milan also reached the semi-finals of theCoppa Italia that season, losing out to winnersRoma, and finished fourth inSerie A.
Kaká celebrating the2007 UEFA Champions League triumph with his Milan teammates. A number of individual accolades followed for Kaká
Kaká won theChampions League title when Milan defeated Liverpool 2–1 on 23 May 2007, avenging the previous loss on penalties two years before. Though he went scoreless, he won a free kick that led to the first of Filippo Inzaghi's two goals, and provided the assist for the second.[47] On 30 August, Kaká was named by UEFA as both the top forward of the2006–07 Champions League season andUEFA Club Footballer of the Year, as well as being named as part of theUEFA Team of the Year for the second time.[48][49] He once again finished as the second-best assist-provider of the Champions League, providing five, and was voted the 2007IFFHS World's Best Playmaker.[50]
Milan began its2007–08 season by winning theUEFA Super Cup on 31 August, defeatingSevilla 3–1, with Kaká scoring the third goal.[51] Kaká had made a dribbling run into Sevilla's area, winning a penalty, which he then proceeded to take. Although it was saved by goalkeeperAndrés Palop, Kaká scored on the rebound with a header. Kaká had previously hit the post in the first half.[52] He played his 200th career match with Milan in a 1–1 home draw withCatania on 30 September, scoring from a penalty,[53] and on 5 October, he was named the 2006–07FIFPro World Player of the Year, and was elected as part of theFIFPro World XI for the second time in his career.[54][55] On 2 December 2007, Kaká became the eighth Milan player to win the Ballon d'Or, as he finished with a decisive 444 votes, well ahead ofCristiano Ronaldo andLionel Messi.[56][57] He signed a contract extension through 2013 with Milan on 29 February 2008.[58]
"He's the complete player."
—Pelé on Kaká after he was named the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year.[59]
On 16 December, Kaká won theFIFA Club World Cup againstBoca Juniors, scoring Milan's third goal of the match in a 4–2 victory which allowed them to be crowned World Champions. Kaká had previously assisted Filippo Inzaghi's opening goal of the match and also assisted Inzaghi's final goal of the match after an impressive exchange with Clarence Seedorf; he was awarded theGolden Ball as the best player of the competition.[60] On 17 December, Kaká was voted the2007 FIFA World Player of the Year with 1,047 votes, ahead of Lionel Messi with 504 and Cristiano Ronaldo with 426.[61][62]
Kaká in action with Milan againstTorino in April 2009
In January 2008, Kaká was also named the 2007Serie A Footballer of the Year, winning the award for the second time in his career. His contributions on and off the pitch sawTime magazine name Kaká in theTime 100 list on 2 May.[63] On 14 October, he cast his footprints into theEstádio do Maracanã's sidewalk of fame, in a section dedicated to the memory of the country's top players.[64] Kaká finished the2007–08 season with 15 goals in Serie A. His best goals included a curling strike from 30 yards into the top corner againstLazio, a powerful strike from the edge of the 18-yard box againstCagliari, and a now trademark slalom run past a number ofUdinese players before bending the ball into the bottom corner.[65] He was nominated as a finalist for the2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, finishing fourth, and was nominated for theBallon d'Or, finishing in eighth. He was named in the six-man shortlist for the 2008Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, and was selected in theFIFPro World XI for the third time in his career.[66] He was named in the Time 100 again in 2009.[67]
TheBBC reported on 13 January 2009 thatManchester City made a bid for Kaká for over £100 million. Milan Director Umberto Gandini replied that Milan would only discuss the matter if Kaká and Manchester City agreed to personal terms.[68] Kaká initially responded by telling reporters he wanted to "grow old" at Milan and dreamed of captaining the club one day, but later said, "If Milan want to sell me, I'll sit down and talk. I can say that as long as the club don't want to sell me, I'll definitely stay."[69] On 19 January,Silvio Berlusconi announced that Manchester City had officially ended their bid after a discussion between the clubs, and that Kaká would remain with Milan.[70] Milan supporters had protested outside the club headquarters earlier that evening, and later chanted outside Kaká's home, where he saluted them by flashing his jersey outside a window.[71] Kaká finished his final season with Milan by scoring 16 goals, helping Milan finish third inSerie A, and once again being elected as a finalist for theFIFA World Player of the Year Award, finishing fourth in voting for the second-straight year. He was also nominated for theBallon d'Or award, finishing in sixth place, and was named in theUEFA Team of the Year for the third time in his career.[72]
Real Madrid
Kaká during his presentation at Real Madrid in June 2009
On 3 June 2009, it was reported that newly electedReal Madrid presidentFlorentino Pérez had offered to buy Kaká from Milan for a reported €68.5 million,[73][74] two days after the player had left for international duty with Brazil.[75] Milan vice-chairman and CEOAdriano Galliani confirmed that he and Kaká's father, Bosco Leite, had traveled to Mexico to meet withLa Volpe: "We had lunch and spoke about Kaká. I don't deny it. Negotiations exist, but a deal has yet to be done."[76] On 4 June, Galliani toldGazzetta dello Sport that financial reasons were his motive for the talks withLa Volpe: "We cannot allow [Milan] to lose €70 million ... The reasons behind Kaká's departure would be economic."[76][77] On 8 June, Milan and Real Madrid confirmed Kaká's move to theSantiago Bernabéu Stadium on a six-year deal[78][79] for €67 million fee.[15]
Kaká was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on 30 June 2009, and he made his unofficial debut on 7 August 2009 in a 5–1 friendly victory againstToronto FC.[80] He scored his first goal for Madrid during a pre-season match on 19 August 2009, in a 5–0 victory againstBorussia Dortmund.[81] Kaká later made his league debut on 29 August 2009 in a 3–2 win against Deportivo de La Coruña.[82] He scored his first goal, a penalty, on 23 September in a 2–0 win againstVillarreal.[83] Real Madrid finished the season as runners-up inLa Liga, with Kaká scoring eight goals and providing six assists in La Liga, and nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.[84]
On 5 August 2010, Real Madrid announced that Kaká had undergone a successful surgery on a long-standing left knee injury and would face up to four months on the sidelines.[85] Kaká returned to training after a long lay-off, with managerJosé Mourinho commenting that having Kaká back from injury was like a new signing.[86][87] After an eight-month absence, Kaká returned to play by entering as a substitute forKarim Benzema on the 77th minute of a 3–2 victory overGetafe on 3 January 2011. He said he was "(...) happy for playing a game again and for stepping onto a pitch."[88] His first league goal (and his first of the season) after his return from injury came with an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo on a 4–2 victory over Villarreal on 9 January 2011.[89]
In March 2011, Kaká suffered fromIliotibial band syndrome, which kept him sidelined for a few weeks. After returning from injury, he appeared in a convincing win overValencia, scoring two goals. At the end of his second season with the club, Real Madrid and Kaká had won theCopa del Rey, although they finished as runners-up in bothLa Liga and in theSupercopa de España to rivals Barcelona. Real Madrid were also knocked out of theChampions League by Barcelona in the semi-finals of the competition. Kaká finishedhis season with seven goals and six assists in all competitions in 20 appearances.[84]
On 27 September 2011, Kaká experienced one of his best matches as a Real Madrid player during a 3–0 victory overAjax in theChampions League, as he scored one goal, provided one assist and participated in one of the best team build-ups of the matchday: a counterattacking move involvingMesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.[90] Kaká was later chosen the best player of the Champions League Matchday.[91] With this match, Kaká experienced one of the best starts to a season he has ever had, scoring two goals, serving two assists and winning one penalty for his team.[92] In2011–12, Real Madrid wonLa Liga with a record 100 points that year, with Kaká providing nine assists and scoring five goals in the competition.[84] They were, however, eliminated for the second year in a row in the semi-finals of theChampions League, losing out to eventual runners-upBayern Munich on penalties. The decisive misses for Real Madrid were by Ronaldo, Kaká andSergio Ramos. He finished the season with eight goals and 14 assists in all club competitions.[84] Real Madrid were eliminated in the quarter-finals of theCopa del Rey by eventual winners Barcelona.
Kaká takes a corner kick for Real Madrid in a La Liga game againstSevilla in February 2013
Real Madrid began the2012–13 season by winning the2012 Supercopa de España against rivals Barça. On 4 December 2012, after scoring in a 4–1 win against Ajax, Kaká became the top Brazilian goalscorer in Champions League history, with 28 goals.[93] After the match, Kaká said, "This was an important goal for me, and I hope I've still got goals left to help Real Madrid. It was an important win and a special night."[94] Kaká came on just before an hour was played, but was sent off as he was booked twice within 18 minutes in a 0–0 draw againstOsasuna on 12 January 2013.[95] It was his first sending-off at Madrid since he joined from Milan in 2009 and his first red card since he was dismissed playing forBrazil againstIvory Coast at the2010 FIFA World Cup.[96] Real Madrid finished the season in second place inLa Liga behind Barcelona, and also finished runners-up in theCopa del Rey tocity rivalsAtlético Madrid. They were eliminated in the semi-finals of theChampions League for the third consecutive year by eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
On 29 August 2013, Kaká expressed his desire to leave Real Madrid,[97] having scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists in 120 appearances in all competitions over four seasons at the club.[98][99] He said goodbye to Real Madrid and its fans in anopen letter on Twitter.[100]
Return to AC Milan
Milan confirmed that Kaká would join the club on 2 September 2013 from Real Madrid on a free transfer with only performance-related incentives owed to Madrid; after agreeing to personal terms, he signed a two-year contract.[101][102] Kaká's contract was worth €4 million net per year and he was given the number 22 shirt, the same number he wore for Milan during his first spell.[103][104] He was also made thevice-captain upon his arrival.[105] He captained Milan in his debut for his second spell, taking the armband from goalkeeperMarco Amelia in a match againstChiasso.[106]
Kaká tore his left adductor muscle during his first competitive appearance, deciding not to accept any wages from Milan whilst he regained fitness.[107] He made his return for Milan on 19 October after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 1–0 home victory againstUdinese. In his next match, on 22 October, Kaká assistedRobinho in the 1–1 home draw against Barcelona in theChampions League. His first goal, described byESPN as "a sensationalcurling shot from the edge of the area into the top right-hand corner," opened the scoring in a 1–1 home draw atSan Siro to Lazio on 30 October.[108] On 7 January 2014, Kaká scored his 100th goal for Milan by an opening goal in a match againstAtalanta; he later went on to score another goal 30 minutes later.[109] On 11 March he scored a goal againstAtlético Madrid inVicente Calderón Stadium, this goal made him the last player to score against Atlético Madrid at Vicente Calderón for three seasons in knockout phase untilIsco scored against them in2016–17 UEFA Champions League semi final.[110] On 29 March 2014, Kaká scored twice in a 3–0 win against Chievo, his 300th match for Milan.[111][112]
In June 2014, it was reported that Kaká had entered into advanced discussions withOrlando City SC to join the team in January 2015 when they enterMajor League Soccer (MLS).[113][114]On 30 June 2014, Kaká had his Milan contract terminated through mutual consent despite having a year remaining, by activating a release clause as a result of the team not qualifying for European competitions.[115]
Kaká joined future MLS franchise Orlando City as their firstDesignated Player.[116] He stated that he had "always" wanted to play in the United States, and cited the Brazilian owner Flávio Augusto da Silva as a reason for signing. Until Orlando entered the league in2015, Kaká was loaned to his first club São Paulo, which he called "really satisfying".[117][118]
By signing for Orlando City, Kaká became the highest-paid player in MLS history, with a base salary of US$6.6 million per year, and with a guaranteed compensation of $7.2 million per year.[119][120][121][122]
Loan to São Paulo
On 3 July 2014, Kaká arrived at São Paulo and began training the next day.[123] He made his comeback in aleague match againstGoiás on 27 July 2014, starting and scoring a goal in the 76th minute, although his team lost 2–1.[124] On 4 September 2014, in the second round of theCopa Sudamericana, Kaká scored in a 2–0 victory overCriciúma.[125] On 9 November 2014, Kaká scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory overVitória.[126]
Return to Orlando City
Kaká scored in his first match for Orlando City, a 4–0 friendly win overFC Dallas.[127] He then scored again in a 1–1 friendly draw againstNew York City FC.[128] On 8 March 2015, Kaká scored a free kick for the equaliser in a 1–1 draw on his MLS debut against New York City FC at theCitrus Bowl, the first in Orlando City's competitive history.[129][130][131] Kaká scored one and assisted another in a 2–2 draw withMontreal Impact on 28 March 2015.[132][133] He came second in theEtihad Airways MLS Player of the Monthpollfor his performances in March.[134]
On 13 April 2015, Kaká scored a penalty againstPortland Timbers in a 2–0 win.[135][136] On 17 May 2015, Kaká scored one and assisted another in Orlando City's 4–0 win over defending MLS championsLA Galaxy. By doing so, Orlando became the first expansion team to beat a defending MLS champion by more than a three-goal margin.[137][138][139] On 30 June, Kaká scored Orlando's opening goal in the 21st minute of hisOpen Cup debut, helping his team to a 2–0 home win overColumbus Crew, in the fifth round of the competition, which enabled the club to advance to the quarter-finals.[140] On 5 July, he received the first straight red card of his career in a 1–1 away draw againstReal Salt Lake; he had previously scored a goal during the match.[141] Later that month, Kaká was named to the2015 MLS All-Star Game as the team's captain.[142] During the MLS All-Star Game on 29 July, at theDick's Sporting Goods Park inCommerce City, Colorado, he scored from a penalty and later assistedDavid Villa as the MLS All-Stars defeatedTottenham Hotspur 2–1; Kaká was namedMVP of the match.[143] Despite his efforts, he was unable to help Orlando City become the first expansion team to qualify for theMLS Cup Playoffs sinceSeattle Sounders FC in 2009, as Orlando narrowly missed out on the sixth seed spot in the Eastern Conference;[144] he ended his first season with 9 goals and 7 assists in 28 MLS appearances, also scoring another goal from two appearances in the 2015 MLS Open Cup.[145]
After initially being sidelined through injury and missing Orlando City's first three matches of the2016 MLS season, Kaká returned to the team's starting line-up and made his first appearance of the season on 3 April, against the Portland Timbers; he assisted two goals and later scored one himself in a 4–1 home victory,[146] and was subsequently namedPlayer of the Week for his performance.[147] In July 2016, he was included in the roster for the2016 MLS All-Star Game.[148] He finished his second MLS season with the club with 9 goals and 10 assists in 24 appearances,[145] as Orlando once again failed to qualify for theMLS Cup Playoffs.[149]
On 5 March 2017, in Orlando City's opening match of the MLS season against New York City, and the club'sstadium debut, Kaká hit the turf clutching his left leg just minutes after the game had started; the Lions beat their opponents 1–0. Later, it was reported that Kaká would be out for 6 weeks due to a hamstring strain.[150] Kaká came back in action and he scored on his return in Orlando City 2–0 win overColorado Rapids on 29 April.[151] The next week, he scored another goal in Orlando's 2–1 loss againstToronto FC.[152] He scored his third goal of the season in a 2–2 draw againstSporting KC on 13 May 2017.[153] On 14 June, he played in the 3–1 loss inU.S. Open Cup match againstMiami FC which was coached by his former teammateAlessandro Nesta.[154] On 17 June he assistedMatías Pérez García's goal againstMontreal Impact.[155] The following match, he provided another assist forScott Sutter last minute equalizer against Seattle Sounders.[156] On 7 July, he was chosen to play for the2017 MLS All-Star Game for the third consecutive season.[157] On 6 October, Kaká was awardedGoal of the Week for his goal against theNew England Revolution in a 6–1 rout nine days earlier.[158]
Orlando City were officially eliminated from playoff contention on 7 October, followingNew York Red Bulls's 3–0 victory overVancouver Whitecaps FC.[159] Kaká announced on 11 October 2017 that he would not be renewing his contract with Orlando City for the 2018 MLS season.[160] He played his last official match for Orlando on 15 October in a 1–0 home defeat against Columbus Crew;[161][162] he finished the 2017 MLS season with 6 goals and 5 assists in 23 league appearances.[145] He later appeared once more for Orlando, in a 6–1 home win over thePuerto Rican national team in theFuerza Puerto Rico friendly, held on 5 November, to raise money forHurricane Maria relief. In total, Kaká made 75 league appearances in his three seasons with Orlando, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists.[163]
Retirement
Kaká announced his retirement on 17 December 2017, after turning down offers from his former clubsSão Paulo andAC Milan. He also expressed interest in working as adirector, confirming that Milan had offered him a role.[164][165]
International career
Youth career and early senior career
Kaká was called up for the2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, but theBrazilians crashed out toGhana in the quarter-finals. Several months later, he made his debut for the senior Brazil squad in a friendly match againstBolivia on 31 January 2002. He was part of Brazil's2002 FIFA World Cup-winning squad in Korea/Japan, but played only 25 minutes, all of which were in the 5–2 first round victory againstCosta Rica on 13 June.[166]
In 2003, Kaká was the captain for the2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Brazil, competing with theirunder-23 team, finished as runner-up toMexico. He scored three goals during the tournament.
First Confederations Cup title and 2006 World Cup
Kakà was included in Brazil's squad for2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany. He appeared in all five matches and scored one goal in a 4–1 win overArgentina in the final.[167]
Kaká started in his firstFIFA World Cup finals in2006 and scored his first and only goal of the tournament with a 25-yard strike in Brazil's 1–0 victory overCroatia in Brazil's opener, for which he was namedMan of the Match.[168] Kaká was unable to keep up the momentum for the remainder of the tournament, as Brazil was eliminated byFrance in the quarter-finals with French starThierry Henry scoring the winner.[169]
In 2006 he was part of the "magic quartet". Kaká andRonaldinho in midfield, backed up by strikersRonaldo andAdriano. The team was top heavy and unbalanced, and forced to work back in midfield, Kaká paid the price.
In a friendly against rivals Argentina at theEmirates Stadium, London on 3 September 2006, after entering as a substitute, Kaká received the ball off a deflection from an Argentina corner kick and outranLionel Messi while taking the ball down three quarters of the field to score.[171] Exhibiting his "fantastic acceleration and balletic grace" (according to Carl Anka for theBBC), Kaká regards it as the greatest goal he ever scored.[172] On 12 May 2007, citing an exhaustive schedule ofSerie A,Champions League and national team play, Kaká bowed out of the2007 Copa América, which Brazil won.[173] After missing out on the Copa América, he returned to play in Brazil's friendly match againstAlgeria on 22 August 2007. On 11 October 2008, Kaká opened the scoring for Brazil in their 4–0 win againstVenezuela in a qualification game for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[65]
Second Confederations Cup title and 2010 World Cup
Kaká participated in the2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, wearing thenumber 10 shirt, marking his first international tournament since the 2006 World Cup. His only two goals came in Brazil's group stage opener againstEgypt on 14 June, when he scored a goal in the fifth minute and then added a 90th-minute penalty in Brazil's 4–3 victory.[174] Kaká also provided two assists throughout the tournament. He received the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament at the Confederations Cup and was also named the Man of the Match in the final after helping Brazil to a 3–2 win against theUnited States.[175][176][177]
At the2010 World Cup in South Africa, during the match againstIvory Coast on 20 June, Kaká received a red card after receiving two yellow cards. The second card was given for an alleged elbow in the direction ofAbdul Kader Keïta.[178][179][180] Kaká ended the tournament with three assists in total, as the joint-top assist provider, although he failed to score a goal during the tournament. Brazil eventually ended up losing 2–1 to World Cup eventual runners-upNetherlands in the quarter-finals of the tournament.[181]
Later career
After more than a year absence from the national team due to a series of injuries, Kaká was recalled on 27 October 2011 for the friendly matches againstGabon and Egypt in November.[182] He later had to be removed from the squad due to a calf injury, and thus did not play either of the matches.[183]
"The best player I have ever played with? That's Ronaldo, il Fenomeno. The other Ronaldo, Cristiano, probably makes my top five, but I have seen il Fenomeno do things nobody else has ever done."
—Kaká speaking in 2013 on his Brazil teammateRonaldo being the best player he's played with.[184]
After not appearing for Brazil in two years, Kaká was recalled on 28 September 2012 for the friendly matches againstIraq andJapan in October.[185] Following his recall to theSeleção squad, Kaká stated, "I admit it was a surprise this call ... When the list was published, I was extremely happy. It was like my first call-up."[186] Brazil coachMano Menezes said that despite Kaká andOscar's similarities, the two would be able to play alongside each other, as Kaká had slightly changed his playing style.[187] On his return to the national side, Kaká scored in both matches, a 6–0 win overIraq and a 4–0 win over Japan.[188] Kaká retained his place in the squad for Brazil's 1,000th game in history, a 1–1 friendly draw againstColombia on 14 November 2012.[189]
On 5 March 2013, Kaká was called up by new Brazil coachLuiz Felipe Scolari for the first time since the coach's return, forfriendlies withItaly inLondon andRussia inGeneva, both taking place late in that month.[190][191] Kaká, however, was not selected for the national team for the2013 Confederations Cup and was also omitted from Scolari's2014 World Cup squad.[192] After almost 18 months, Kaká was recalled to the Brazilian team in October 2014 by new managerDunga for friendlies against Argentina and Japan.[193][194] On 1 May 2015, Kaká was selected as one of seven stand-by players in Brazil's preliminary squad for the2015 Copa América,[195][196][197] although he was not called up for the final tournament.[198] In August 2015, he was called up to the national team once again for the team's international friendlies in September, and made a substitute appearance in Brazil's 1–0 victory over Costa Rica on 5 September; this was his first appearance for Brazil in almost a year, and his 90th appearance for his country overall.[199] FollowingDouglas Costa's left thigh injury in late May 2016, which ruled him out of Brazil'sCopa América Centenario squad, Kaká was called up as a replacement by Dunga.[200] On 30 May, he subsequently appeared as an 80th-minute substitute in a pre-Copa América friendly warm-up match againstPanama, which ended in a 2–0 victory to Brazil.[201] A muscle injury sustained in early June, however, also ruled Kaká out of the upcoming tournament; he was replaced byGanso.[202]
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport, Kaká has been described on theFIFA website as having the "capacity to glide almost effortlessly past opponents, provide defence-splitting passes and score consistently from distance."[203][204][205] In his prime at Milan and prior to the injuries he suffered at Real Madrid, Kaká was an intelligent, quick, and hardworking player that coulddribble past defenders in one-on-one situations as well as during counterattacks.[206][207][208][209][210] Regarding his speed and elegance on the ball during his trademark forward runs, in 2017, Karl Matchett ofBleacher Report stated:
His gait, particularly when in possession, was mesmeric. Reasonably unusual in stature for aplaymaking midfielder at a little over six feet tall, Kaká could still turn and accelerate past a defender in the same way the smaller, low-centre-of-gravityNo. 10s would manage—but that same elegant, long-legged stride made him unstoppable on the run.[208]
Tim Vickery ofESPN wrote, "Kaká running forward with the ball had the power of a freight train. He married power with finesse". He also wrote on the impact of his knee and groin issues at Madrid, adding, "once his acceleration had been reduced, he lacked the subtlety to shine as before."[170] Carl Anka of theBBC writes that his "knee and groin problems sapped him of the explosive half-yard burst he needed to navigate the corridors of midfield uncertainty", and that by 2009, he "was already on the wane."[172] Anka adds that because he was the last player to winFIFA World Player of the Year (in 2007) prior to theMessi-Ronaldo dominance over the next decade, Kaká's standing and recognition in football has been "lost in a haze".[172]
Ronaldinho states, "For two, maybe three seasons [at Milan], he was the best player in the world. There was nothing he couldn't do", while his Milan teammateAndrea Pirlo adds, "There was a point when teams just had no idea how to stop him."[211] Kaká was also renowned for his vision and passing, which allowed him tocreate goalscoring chances for teammates.[212] Having played as anattacking midfielder throughout his career, Kaká could also play as awinger[213][214][215] or as adeep-lying playmaker.[216] In addition to these characteristics, Kaká also had a powerful and accurate strike with both feet,[217] despite being naturally right-footed.[218] He also had the ability to bend the ball[210] and was an accuratepenalty taker.[219][220] In 2020,90min.com placed Kaká at number 42 in their list of "The 50 Greatest Footballers of All Time".[221]
Personal life
Kaká with then-wife Caroline Celico in 2007
Kaká married his childhood sweetheart Caroline Celico on 23 December 2005 at a Rebirth in Christ church inSão Paulo.[222] The couple have two children, a son and a daughter.[223][224] In 2015, Kaká and Celico announced their divorce via social media.[225]
Kaká gained Italian citizenship on 12 February 2007.[226] He featured in manyAdidas advertisements. He also has a modeling contract withArmani, which prevented him from appearing in a photo collection of Milan players that was published by Armani's rival,Dolce & Gabbana, in 2007.[227]
Kaká (second from right) at Milan withRonaldinho andDavid Beckham to his right in 2009. The three players have a large fan base on social media.[233]
Kaká namedRaí, the former Brazilian national team and São Paulo FC captain, as his footballing role model.[234][235] He is best friends with former professional footballerMarcelo Saragosa, as they served as thebest man at each other's weddings.[236] He is also close friends with Colombian strikerRadamel Falcao.[237]
A pair of Kaká'sAdidas boots, with a declaration of his Christian faith. In hisgoal celebrations Kaká invariably points towards the skies to express gratitude toGod.[238]
Kaká is anevangelical Christian and an active member of the São Paulo-basedRebirth in Christ Church.[239] He became engrossed in religion at the age of 12: "I learnt that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not." He removed his jersey to reveal an "I Belong to Jesus" T-shirt and openly engaged in prayers after Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph, as well as Milan's 2004Scudetto and Milan's 2007 Champions League triumphs. He also had the same phrase, along with "God Is Faithful", stitched onto the tongues of his boots.[23] During the celebration after Brazil's 4–1 win over Argentina in the2005 Confederations Cup final, he and several of his teammates wore T-shirts that read "Jesus Loves You" in various languages. While receiving the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award in 2007, he said that initially, he just wanted to be a professional player for São Paulo and play one game for the Brazil national team, but that "God gave [him] more than he ever asked for."[240] Hisgoal celebration is him pointing to the sky as a tribute to God.[238] Kaká's favourite music genre is gospel[241] and his favourite book is theBible.[242] In a 2006 interview with the Brazilian newspaperO Globo, Kaká announced that he wanted to become an evangelical pastor.[243]
^Beaard, Raymond."FIFPRO WORLD XI 2005/2006".FIFPro World Players' Union. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Serie A: le pagelle di Milan-Catania" [Serie A: player ratings for Milan-Catania] (in Italian). ESPN FC. 30 September 2007.Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved13 May 2015.
^Beaard, Raymond."FIFPRO WORLD XI 2006/2007".FIFPro World Players' Union. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^J. O'Donnell, Michael (19 August 2009)."Goal-scoring efficiency".Realmadrid.com. Archived fromthe original on 22 August 2009. Retrieved25 January 2011.
^J O'Donnell, Michael (29 August 2009)."Great start".Realmadrid.com. Archived fromthe original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved25 January 2011.
^"Kaka ties the knot".Daily Star. 24 December 2008.Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved25 January 2011.
^"Tweet". Twitter. 8 December 2010.Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved9 January 2011.It's with great joy, that I confirm that my lovely wife @cacelico is pregnant of our 2nd child !! Now it's a girl !!
^JOSÉ LUIS CALDERÓN; MIGUEL A. GARCÍA (19 October 2009)."Kaká recibe el MARCA Leyenda" [Kaká receives the MARCA Leyenda].Marca (in Spanish).Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved13 January 2016.
^"Users pick Top 11".FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 30 June 2009. Archived fromthe original on 10 April 2012. Retrieved30 June 2013.
1 AsHors concours 2Placar started to give this prize to the best grade holder atBola de Prata since 1973. In its 2013 ceremonies, a Bola de Ouro was given to Dirceu Lopes, holder of the best 1971 grade.Francisco Reyes andElías Figueroa, holders of 1970 and 1972 ones respectively, have not been announced as these years' winners yet.
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