Kaka: A Dazzling Career of Creativity and Triumphs
Childhood – teens
Kaka, a retired Brazilian professional footballer, was widely known for his unmatched talent, speed, and agility on the field. However, not many know that his journey to becoming a renowned athlete was a tough one, filled with humble beginnings and obstacles to overcome.
He was born on April 22, 1982, in Brasilia, Brazil, and was raised in a middle-class family alongside his younger brother, Rodrigo. His mother, Simone dos Santos, was a teacher, and his father, Bosco Leite, an engineer. Despite growing up in a stable home, Kaka faced various health problems as a child, including a severe case of scoliosis that caused his spine to curve sideways.
At the age of 18, Kaka underwent surgery to correct his spinal condition, which forced him to miss months of football training and put his career at risk. However, he didn’t let that setback deter him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Kaka’s passion for football began at an early age when he would play with his friends on the streets of Brasilia. Soon, his exceptional skills caught the attention of local football clubs, and at the age of 12, he joined the youth academy of Sao Paulo FC, one of the most prominent football clubs in Brazil. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut for the club at the age of 18 in 2001.
Kaka’s younger brother, Rodrigo, who is also a professional footballer, used to call him “Caca” because he couldn’t pronounce his full name correctly, and the nickname eventually evolved into “Kaká,” a word that has no specific translation in Portuguese.
In a tragic turn of events, Kaka suffered a severe spinal fracture during a swimming pool accident at the age of 18, which could have ended his football career and paralyzed him. However, he miraculously made a full recovery, which he attributes to his faith in God. Since then, Kaka has tithed his income to his church.
Starting at São Paulo
At the age of seven, Kaka’s family moved to Sao Paulo, where he was enrolled in a local youth club called “Alphaville” by his school. There, he was discovered by hometown club Sao Paulo FC, who offered him a place in their youth academy. He had already impressed the youth academy with his skills, and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark on the first team.
Kaka’s exceptional performance during the Brasileirão 2001 season left a lasting impression on football fans around the world. The then-19-year-old midfielder played a key role in Sao Paulo FC’s campaign, scoring an impressive 12 goals in 27 appearances. Kaka’s remarkable speed, agility, and technical skills made him a standout player in the league, earning him recognition as one of Brazil’s most promising talents. His contributions helped Sao Paulo FC finish as runners-up in the competition.
Kaka’s second season continued to flourish in 2002 as he played for Sao Paulo FC in the Brasileirão. Despite being only 20 years old, Kaka demonstrated his remarkable talent and became one of the key players for the team. He played in 25 games and scored 9 goals, helping Sao Paulo to secure a third-place finish in the league.
3rd and final season for Sao Paulo, Kaka made significant contributions to Sao Paulo FC. While he scored only two goals in the league but 7 overall in the season, he played a vital role in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with his precise passing and ball control skills. Kaka’s leadership qualities were also on full display as he served as the team captain on several occasions, guiding his teammates to important victories
Moving to a big club
Kaka’s move to AC Milan in 2003 marked a significant milestone in his career as a professional footballer. After catching the eye of several top European clubs, Kaka decided to join AC Milan for a reported transfer fee of €8.5 million. The move was met with high expectations, as Kaka was seen as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football at the time.
At AC Milan Carlo Ancelotti was in charge, Kaka was quickly integrated into the squad and made his debut in a friendly match against Olympiacos. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and assisting another in a 3-1 victory. His performance impressed the club’s fans and coaching staff, who saw in him the potential to become a key player for the team. In that team they had players like Dida, Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Rui Costa, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Andriy Shevchenko & Filippo Inzaghi to name a few.
In the 2003-04 season, Kaka made an immediate impact at AC Milan, his technical skills, speed, and ability to read the game made him a fan favourite and a valuable asset to the team. The Brazilian midfielder scored a total of 10 goals and provided 5 assists in the Serie A, helping his team finish third in the league.
Kaka also showcased his abilities in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist as AC Milan advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition. His performances caught the attention of football fans and pundits worldwide, and he quickly established himself as one of the most talented young players in the game.
Kaka’s second season with AC Milan in 2004-05 was another successful one for the Brazilian midfielder. He continued to be a key player for the team, contributing with his impressive skills and tactical awareness on the pitch. In the Serie A, Kaka scored 7 goals and provided 13 assists in 36 appearances, helping Milan secure a second-place finish behind Juventus.
Kaka’s performances in the Champions League that season were particularly impressive. He scored 2 goals and provided 6 assists in the competition. Kaka played his part in the in 3-3 lost to Liverpool in the final, setting up Hernan Crespo’s first goal. Kaka’s contributions throughout the season earned him the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year 2004–05, as well as being named the Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year.
During the 2005-06 Serie A season, Kaká continued to shine for AC Milan. He scored his first hat-tricks in domestic competitions and showed his skills as a top scorer and playmaker. Although Milan fell short in the Champions League and Coppa Italia, finishing as runners-up in Serie A was an achievement in itself. Kaká ended the season with 17 goals and 9 assists in the league, a significant contribution to the team’s success. However, the Calciopoli scandal led to Milan being deducted 30 points, which affected their final position in the table. Despite this setback, Kaká was recognized for his individual achievements by being nominated for both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year Awards for the third consecutive year. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFPro World XI for the first time in his career, highlighting his status as one of the best players in the world.
Kaká continued to dominate the field in the 2006-07 season, serving as the focal point of Milan’s offense in both midfield and forward positions. He showed his versatility as he alternated between playing as a striker or second striker behind Filippo Inzaghi, as well as in his more traditional attacking midfield role. He showcased his brilliance on November 2, 2006, when he scored his first Champions League hat-trick in a 4-1 group stage victory over Anderlecht. Kaká finished the 2006-07 Champions League campaign as the top scorer with ten goals, including a crucial goal in the round of 16 that helped Milan eliminate Celtic 1-0 on aggregate, and three goals against Manchester United in the semi-finals.
In Serie A, Kaká proved to be a force to be reckoned with, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. He was an integral part of Milan’s journey to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia that season, where they were defeated by the eventual winners Roma. Despite finishing fourth in Serie A, Kaká helped Milan clinch the coveted Champions League title, contributing to their 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final. His impressive performances earned him the title of UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and top forward of the 2006-07 Champions League season. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year for the second time and voted the 2007 IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker, solidifying his position as one of the best players in the world.
In the 2007-08 season, Milan started off strong by winning the UEFA Super Cup, with Kaká scoring the third goal in their victory over Sevilla. He continued to shine throughout the season, scoring his 15th Serie A goal and 11th assist in a 1-1 draw with Catania. His impressive performances earned him the FIFPro World Player of the Year award for the second time, as well as the prestigious Ballon d’Or, becoming the eighth Milan player to do so. Kaká also extended his contract with Milan until 2013. In December, Kaká helped Milan win the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring a goal and assisting two others in their 4-2 victory over Boca Juniors. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, and was also named the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year, beating out fierce competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite only scoring two goals and providing one assist in the Champions League that season, Kaká’s impact on the pitch was undeniable, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the world.
Kaká’s stellar performances during the 2007-08 season earned him multiple awards and accolades. He won the 2007 Serie A Footballer of the Year award for the second time in his career and was also included in Time magazine’s Time 100 list. His amazing achievements were further recognized when he cast his footprints into the Estádio do Maracanã’s sidewalk of fame in Brazil. Kaká’s contributions to Milan’s success during the season were reflected in his 15 goals in Serie A, including some impressive strikes like a curling shot from 30 yards out against Lazio and a powerful strike from the edge of the 18-yard box against Cagliari. He was nominated as a finalist for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or, finishing fourth and eighth, respectively. Additionally, he was named in the six-man shortlist for the 2008 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and selected in the FIFPro World XI for the third time in his career. In the following season, Kaká continued to impress by scoring 16 goals, helping Milan secure third place in Serie A. He was once again a finalist for the FIFA World Player of the Year Award, finishing fourth, and nominated for the Ballon d’Or, finishing in sixth place. He also received recognition by being named in the UEFA Team of the Year for the third time in his career.
Going to Real Madrid
After six successful years at AC Milan, Kaká made a big move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. The transfer fee was a reported €68.5 million, making him the second-most expensive transfer in history at the time. Manuel Pellegrini was in charge at the time, Kaka signings to Real Madrid coincided with the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso & Karim Benzema to name a few.
Kaká’s first season at Real Madrid was in 2009-2010. Despite some injuries, he made a significant contribution to the team with his goals and assists. In La Liga, he scored eight goals and provided six assists in 25 appearances. He also scored one goal and had four assists in the Champions League, helping Real Madrid reach the round of 16. In the Copa del Rey, he played a key role in Real Madrid’s victory, scoring three goals and providing two assists in five appearances. Overall, in his first season with Real Madrid, Kaká had a total of 9 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. While his performance may have been affected by injuries, he still showed glimpses of his incredible skill and vision on the pitch, proving to be a valuable asset to the team.
In his second season at Real Madrid, José Mourinho was the manager of Real Madrid, Kaká’s performances were affected by injuries, limiting his playing time on the pitch. He suffered a groin injury in September 2009, which kept him out of action for several weeks. Despite the setbacks, he managed to make a significant impact during the season.
Kaká finished the 2009-10 season with 9 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. In La Liga, he scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 20 appearances. His standout performances included a brace against Athletic Bilbao and a stunning goal against Almeria. He also scored a crucial goal in the Champions League Round of 16 match against Lyon.
Although his stats may not have been as impressive as his first season, Kaká continued to showcase his exceptional skills and creative playmaking abilities on the pitch. Despite the setbacks, he remained a valuable member of the Real Madrid squad, and his contributions helped the team win the Copa del Rey and secure a second-place finish in La Liga.
In his third season (2011-2012), Kaká played only 27 games across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 7 assists. Despite his limited playing time, he still managed to make some notable contributions, including a stunning goal against Rayo Vallecano and an important assist in the team’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.
Kaká’s fourth and final season at Real Madrid (2012-2013) was similarly affected by injuries, and he played only 19 games in total. He scored 2 goals and provided 5 assists, including an important assist in the team’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite his limited playing time and reduced impact on the team, Kaká remained a highly respected member of the Real Madrid squad, known for his professionalism and positive attitude both on and off the pitch.
Return to AC Milan
Kaká’s return to AC Milan in 2013 was a highly anticipated one for both the club and its fans. After four years at Real Madrid, where he struggled with injuries and inconsistent playing time, the Brazilian midfielder was eager to reignite his career in the familiar surroundings of the San Siro.
Milan fans welcomed him back with open arms, as they remembered his previous contributions to the club’s success. Kaká was determined to repay their faith and set about working hard in training to get back to his best form.
Over the course of the season, Kaká’s performances improved steadily as he regained his confidence and fitness. He formed a strong partnership with fellow attacking midfielder, Riccardo Montolivo, and the two combined to create numerous goalscoring opportunities.
Kaká’s standout performance of the season came in a 3-0 win over Atalanta in January 2014, where he scored two goals and provided an assist. Milan fans were delighted to see him back to his best, and he quickly became a fan favourite once again. Kaká scored his 100th goal for Milan by an opening goal in a match against Atalanta.
Despite his best efforts, Milan finished the season in a disappointing eighth place in the Serie A table. However, Kaká’s return was seen as a positive for the club, and he was praised for his leadership and positive influence on the team.
Kaka moving to Orlando City
Kaka quickly became a fan favourite in Orlando, helping the team in their first season in the league. He scored the team’s first-ever MLS goal and led them to their first playoff appearance in 2015. Kaka played a total of 75 games for Orlando City, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists during his three-year stint with the club.
In 2017, Kaka returned to his boyhood club, São Paulo, on a free transfer. He had previously played for the club’s youth teams before making his professional debut in 2001. However, his return to São Paulo was not as successful as he had hoped, as injuries limited his playing time, and he only managed to score one goal in eight appearances for the club.
After a brief stint with São Paulo, Kaka made a surprising return to Orlando City, signing a contract for the remainder of the 2018 MLS season. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal in his first game back with the club. Despite his limited playing time, Kaka helped Orlando City finish the season strong, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just 11 games.
Kaka announced his retirement from professional football in December 2017, leaving a lasting legacy on the game. His contributions to the sport have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2007 and the FIFA World Cup in 2002. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, and his fans will never forget the impact he made on the game both on and off the field.
International career
Kaká’s international career began with the Brazilian youth teams, where he quickly caught the eye of coaches and scouts with his exceptional talent on the field. He made his debut for the Brazil Under-20 team at the age of 18, and went on to play in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, where Brazil finished as runners-up.
Kaká made his debut for the senior Brazil national team in January 2002, in a friendly match against Bolivia. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his first game, and went on to become a regular fixture in the squad. He was part of the Brazil team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, although he did not play a major role in the tournament.
In the years that followed, Kaká established himself as one of the key players in the Brazilian national team, earning a reputation as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. He played a major role in Brazil’s victory in the 2005 Confederations Cup, scoring one goal in the final against Argentina.
Kaká’s most memorable performance for Brazil came in the 2007 Copa América, held in Venezuela. He was in sensational form throughout the tournament, scoring four goals in six games, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Argentina. Brazil went on to win the tournament, with Kaká named as the Player of the Tournament.
Kaká was also part of the Brazil squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Although he was not at his best during the tournament, he still managed to score a goal in the group stage game against Ivory Coast.
Throughout his international career, Kaká won numerous individual awards and accolades. In addition to being named as the Player of the Tournament in the 2007 Copa América, he was also named as the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, and was included in the FIFA World XI on three occasions. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year four times, and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2007.
Kaká’s career with the Brazil national team came to an end in 2016, when he announced his retirement from international football. In total, he made 92 appearances for his country, scoring 29 goals. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever represent Brazil, and his contribution to the national team will never be forgotten.
Kaka unique style
Kaká is one of the greatest attacking midfielders of his generation. He had a playing style that was quick, agile, hard-working, highly skilful and creative, making him a standout player on the field. Kaká’s ability to control the ball with ease, his impressive technique, and great pace made him a threat to defenders. He was deceptively quick, being 6ft 1 you would assume he wasn’t that quick and agile, theres a youtube clip its Brazil vs Argentina, it was Argentina’s corner and it was headed out by a Brazilian defender, Kaka gets the ball from middle of his half, Messi was next to him at this stage, he starts dribbling past the centre spot into Argentina half now, with Messi behind him there is 2 other Argentines players ahead of him plus goalie, goes around one player and slots the ball into the bottom corner. Yes friendly game but a truly amazing goal.
One of the most notable aspects of Kaká’s playing style was his dribbling ability. He was known for his ability to dribble past defenders with ease, especially during counterattacks. Kaká’s explosive speed and agility allowed him to take on multiple defenders at once, leaving them in his wake as he stormed forward. He was surprising strong aswell he can take a challenge and stay on his feet then turn with the ball.
In addition to his dribbling skills, Kaká was also a lethal finisher. He possessed a powerful and accurate shot from both inside and outside the penalty area, and he could score with both his feet and his head. He was a threat from distance and was not afraid to take on long-range shots when the opportunity presented itself. His left foot goal against Croatia in World Cup 2006 was outstanding.
Moreover, Kaká had excellent vision and passing ability, which allowed him to create opportunities for his teammates. He was a team player who always looked to make the best decision for the team rather than just himself. His ability to play simple one and two-touch soccer meant that he could link up with his teammates with ease and maintain possession. His pass in the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2003 for Crespo’s goal, Kaka is facing his own goal the pass is coming towards him, with a player behind Kaka he lets the ball roll so he does touch the ball and this movement takes out the defending Liverpool player (Steven Gerrard), now he has acres of spaces infront of him, he could dribble and drive at the backline, but with his first touch he passes it to Crespo, the ball goes behind the backline and with Crespo’s first touch he dinks the ball into the back of the net, Kaka pass was from inside his half, Crespo’s touch was just inside Liverpool’s penalty D, such an breathtaking pass.
Kaká’s style of play was unique, and he had some distinctive moves that set him apart from other players. He was often half-turned with his body open to the field, looking forward, which gave him an excellent view of the pitch. He attacked the space on the dribble when it was there and had a subtle change of pace, which could catch defenders off guard. The goal against Fenerbahce in the Champions League group stage. With Milan leading 2-1, Kaka picked up the ball just outside the box, he then runs past one defender and another one like he was slalom down mountain valley, he then squeezes the ball between the goalie legs. It was a stunning display of his skill and technique, leaving the Fenerbahce goalkeeper with no chance of stopping the ball. The goal helped Milan secure a 3-1 win and showcased Kaka’s ability to produce moments of magic on the big stage.
Finally, Kaká was not afraid to get physical and fight for the ball. He used his body to shield the ball and keep possession, making him an effective player even in tight spaces. He could score on the volley and strikes from distance, showcasing his ability to be a true all-around player.
Top 5 Best Moments of Kaka’s Career
Winning the Ballon d’Or
Kaká won the Ballon d’Or in 2007, beating out Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to claim the coveted award. The Brazilian playmaker had a fantastic year, leading AC Milan to the Champions League title with his superb performances throughout the tournament. He also played a key role in helping his country win the 2007 Copa América, scoring two goals in the tournament and being named the MVP of the final. Kaká’s unique playing style, which combined pace, skill, and creativity, made him one of the most feared attacking players in the world, and his Ballon d’Or win was a testament to his exceptional talent. His victory was celebrated by fans all around the world, and it cemented his status as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Winning the Champions League
Winning the UEFA Champions League is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious accomplishments in a footballer’s career, and Kaká has achieved this feat on two occasions. In 2007, he played a crucial role in helping AC Milan lift the trophy, scoring 10 goals in the competition and providing numerous assists, including a goal and an assist in the final against Liverpool.
In the final, which was a repeat of the 2005 final, Kaká was in fine form and provided a sublime pass to Inzaghi to score the first goal. Later, he scored the second goal himself, making a clever run into the box and finishing with a cool and composed strike past the goalkeeper. His outstanding performance was recognized when he was named the Man of the Match, and AC Milan were crowned champions of Europe for the seventh time.
Winning Serie A in his debut season at Milan 2003/04
Kaka played an instrumental role in helping AC Milan win the Serie A title in his debut season at the club. He had joined the Italian side from São Paulo earlier that year and quickly established himself as one of their key players. With his impressive speed, agility, and ball control, Kaka became a fan favorite and proved to be a vital addition to the Milan squad. His excellent performances on the field, which included nine goals and seven assists in 30 league appearances, helped Milan secure their 17th Serie A title. Kaka’s first season in Italy was undoubtedly a memorable one, also winning Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year 2004.
Kaka’s solo goal against Argentina in 2006
I mentioned this goal earlier, Kaka’s solo goal against Argentina in a friendly match in 2006 is considered one of his most iconic moments. With Brazil leading 1-0, Kaka received the ball near the halfway line, dribbled past two Argentinian defenders, including a young Lionel Messi, before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to score a magnificent goal. Kaka’s pace, skill and composure on the ball were on full display as he ran almost the entire length of the pitch to score a memorable solo goal. The goal cemented Kaka’s status as one of the best players in the world and helped Brazil secure a 3-0 victory over their fierce rivals.
Inch prefect pass in Champions League final
In the 2007 Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool, Kaka produced a moment of brilliance with an inch-perfect pass, Kaka is facing his own goal the pass is coming towards him, with a player behind Kaka he lets the ball roll so he does touch the ball and this movement takes out the defending Liverpool player (Steven Gerrard), Kaka then played an exquisite through ball that split Liverpool’s defence and landed perfectly at the feet of Crespo, who calmly slotted the ball past Liverpool’s goalkeeper. The pass was a testament to Kaka’s vision, precision, and ability to read the game.
I believe Kaka was truly one of the most elegant and skilful player to grace the football pitch. His combination of pace, technique, vision, and creativity made him a joy to watch, and his ability to change games single-handedly was second to none. Kaka’s graceful style of play, coupled with his humility and sportsmanship both on and off the field, made him a true fan favourite and earned him respect and admiration from his peers. It’s safe to say that Kaka’s impact on the game will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy as one of the greatest elegant players of all time is secure. It’s a shame that he had a few injuries that changed the way he plays, he should of won more Ballon d’Or, Champions Leagues & World Cups. In his prime he was unstoppable.
Catch you in the next one.