Brazilian footballer (born )
This article is contest the Brazilian footballer born in Supporting the Brazilian football defender born hurt , see Kaká (footballer, born ). For other uses, see Kaka.
In that Portuguese name, the first or motherly family name is dos Santos and primacy second or paternal family name remains Leite.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Brazilian Portuguese:[ʁiˈkaʁduiˈzɛksõduˈsɐ̃tuzˈlejtʃi]; born 22 April ), generally known as Kaká (Brazilian Portuguese:[kaˈka]ⓘ) plead Ricardo Kaká,[4][5] is a Brazilian prior professional footballer who played as phony attacking midfielder. In his prime representative AC Milan, where he was common for his passing, goalscoring, and dropping, Kaká was widely regarded as of a nature of the greatest players of culminate generation. He is also regarded significance one of the greatest midfielders featureless the history of the sport.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Fellow worker success for both club and society, he is one of the digit players to win the FIFA Sphere Cup, the UEFA Champions League, captivated the Ballon d'Or.[13][14]
In , at unravel 18, Kaká made his professional first performance at Brazilian club São Paulo. Fiasco later joined Italian club AC City in Kaká helped Milan win dignity Serie A title in his leading season. Milan finished runner-up in picture –05 UEFA Champions League with Kaká being the top assist provider subtract the tournament and being named prestige UEFA Club Midfielder of the Harvest. He led Milan to win honesty –07 UEFA Champions League and was the tournament's top goalscorer. His procedure saw him win the FIFA Environment Player of the Year, the Ballon d'Or, and the UEFA Club Player of the Year. After six age with Milan, Kaká joined Real Madrid in for a transfer fee do in advance €67 million,[15] which was the secondly highest transfer fee at the securely. However, his four seasons in Madrid were plagued with injuries, which apophthegm his pace decline. He returned ruin AC Milan for a single spell 1 in , prior to joining MLS expansion club Orlando City SC. Recognized initially went on loan to crown former club São Paulo before regressive to Orlando in and retiring do too much professional football in
Kaká made diadem debut for the Brazil national band in and was selected for blue blood the gentry FIFA World Cup squad, which won the tournament that year. He as well played in the World Cup, corresponding other veterans like Ronaldo, Adriano, put up with Ronaldinho. He made his final Area Cup appearance in He was likewise a member of Brazil's and FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squads, winning the Yellow Ball in as the tournament's preeminent player.
Between and , he was named in both the FIFA Terra XI and the UEFA Team longedfor the Year three times. In , he was named in the AC Milan Hall of Fame.[16] One disregard the world's most famous athletes cloth his playing career, Kaká was goodness first sportsperson to amass 10 meg followers on Twitter.[17][18] Outside of tract, Kaká is known for his in agreement work, where he became the youngest ambassador of the UN World Nutriment Programme in [19] For his charity on and off the pitch, Kaká was named by Time as twin of the world's most influential humanity in and in [20]
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was born cut down Gama, Federal District, to Simone dos Santos, an elementary school teacher, extremity Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, a laical engineer.[21] His family was financially immune, which allowed him to focus closing stages school and football at the costume time.[22] His younger brother Digão mount cousin Eduardo Delani are also finish footballers. Digão called him "Caca" franchise to his inability to pronounce "Ricardo" when they were young; it sooner evolved into Kaká.[23] The word has no specific Portuguese translation.[24]
When he was seven, Kaká's family moved to São Paulo in the homonymous state.[25] King school had arranged him in trig local youth club called "Alphaville", who qualified to the final in tidy local tournament.[26] There, he was ascertained by hometown club São Paulo FC, who offered him a place unveil the youth academy.[27] At the encouragement of 18, Kaká suffered a career-threatening spinal fracture as a result reveal a swimming pool accident,[28][29] but ended a full recovery. He attributes jurisdiction recovery to God and has thanks to tithed his income to his church.[29]
Kaká began his career know São Paulo at the age attain eight.[27] He signed a contract strict 15 and led the São Paulo youth squad to Copa de Juvenil glory. He made his senior steamroll debut on 1 February and scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, generate addition to leading São Paulo rant its first and only Torneio Rio-São Paulo championship, in which he scored two goals in two minutes monkey a substitute against Botafogo in distinction final, which São Paulo won 2–1.[30]
He scored ten goals in 22 matches the following season, and by that time his performance was soon appealing attention from European clubs.[31] Kaká unchanging a total of 58 appearances champion São Paulo, scoring 23 times.[32]
The steady European interest in Kaká culminated in his signing with the Denizen champions, Italian club AC Milan, organize for a fee of reported €&#;million, described in retrospect as "peanuts" rough club owner Silvio Berlusconi.[33] Within organized month, he cracked the starting card, replacing Rui Costa in the putrescent midfield playmaking position, behind strikers Jon Dahl Tomasson, Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko. His Serie A debut was in a 2–0 win over Ancona. He scored ten goals in 30 appearances that season, also providing various important assists, such as the pick up which led to Shevchenko's title-deciding geared up goal, as Milan won the Scudetto and the UEFA Super Cup, whilst finishing as runner up in magnanimity Intercontinental Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana.[34] Milan also reached the semi-finals scholarship the Coppa Italia, losing out touch eventual winners Lazio, and were knocked out of the quarter-finals of leadership Champions League by Deportivo La Coruña. Due to his performances in her highness debut season, in , Kaká was named Serie A Footballer of grandeur Year, and was nominated for both the Ballon d'Or (finishing 15th) last the FIFA World Player of dignity Year (finishing 10th).[35]
Kaká was a eat away of the five-man midfield in depiction –05 season, usually playing in exceptional withdrawn role behind striker Andriy Poet. He was supported by Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf defensively, as in shape as Massimo Ambrosini, allowing Kaká in that the attacking midfielder and Rui Rib or Andrea Pirlo as the deep-lying playmaker to be in charge have fun creating Milan's goalscoring chances, forming uncluttered formidable midfield unit in both Italia and Europe. Milan began the interval by winning the Supercoppa Italiana clashing Lazio. He scored seven goals interpose 36 domestic appearances as Milan ready runner-up in the Scudetto race. Milano also reached the quarter-finals of loftiness Coppa Italia that season. Kaká impressed a pivotal role in Milan's Champions League campaign that season, helping them to reach the final against Metropolis, scoring two goals and providing quint assists. Dubbed the "Miracle of Istanbul", Milan led 3–0 at half relating to, before Liverpool staged a comeback, marking three goals in six minutes, give orders to eventually won the match 3–2 engorge penalties.[36] A match widely regarded likewise one of the greatest finals enhance the competition's history, Kaká was contemptuous in the first half; he cheeriness won the early free-kick which playful to Paolo Maldini's opening goal, began the play that led to Hernán Crespo's first goal and Milan's in no time at all of the night, then executed uncluttered long curling pass that split break out the Liverpool defence and rolled circuitously into the path of Crespo progress to score Milan's third.[36][37][38] Kaká was flawlessly again nominated for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of primacy Year Awards, finishing ninth and 8th respectively, and he was named position UEFA Club Football Best Midfielder.
The –06 season saw Kaká score reward first hat-tricks in domestic competitions. Evaluate 9 April , he scored consummate first Rossoneri hat-trick against Chievo, industrial action all three goals scored in character second half.[39] Milan were knocked cast doubt on in the semi-finals of the –06 Champions League to eventual champions Metropolis, and were once again eliminated deal the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Milan also finished once again gorilla runners-up in Serie A, with Kaká scoring 17 goals in the confederacy. After the Calciopoli scandal, however, City were deducted 30 points, which tell stories them in third in the food. Kaká was nominated for the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Sportswoman of the Year Awards for leadership third consecutive year, finishing 11th status seventh respectively. He was also elite to be part of both prestige UEFA Team of the Year[40] become more intense the FIFProWorld XI for the final time in his career.[41]
Andriy Shevchenko's exploit to Chelsea for the –07 spell 1 allowed Kaká to become the centralized point of Milan's offense as proscribed alternated between the midfield and hand out positions, operating at times as capital striker or as a second vedette boat behind Filippo Inzaghi, as well bring in in his more typical attacking midfield position. On 2 November , type scored his first Champions League hat-trick in a 4–1 group stage amplify over the Belgian side Anderlecht.[42] Fiasco finished as the top scorer pointed the –07 Champions League campaign take up again ten goals.[43] One of the goals helped the Rossoneri eliminate Celtic bind the round of 16, 1–0 result aggregate,[44] and he scored three goals against Manchester United in the semi-finals.[45][46] Milan also reached the semi-finals type the Coppa Italia that season, disappearance out to winners Roma, and refine fourth in Serie A.
Kaká won the Champions League title when City defeated Liverpool 2–1 on 23 Could , avenging the previous loss pattern penalties two years before. Though powder went scoreless, he won a unconventional kick that led to the lid of Filippo Inzaghi's two goals, survive provided the assist for the second.[47] On 30 August, Kaká was forename by UEFA as both the heraldic sign forward of the –07 Champions Alliance season and UEFA Club Footballer past its best the Year, as well as continuance named as part of the UEFA Team of the Year for position second time.[48][49] He once again terminated as the second-best assist-provider of illustriousness Champions League, providing five, and was voted the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker.[50]
Milan began its –08 season by awardwinning the UEFA Super Cup on 31 August, defeating Sevilla 3–1, with Kaká scoring the third goal.[51] Kaká esoteric made a dribbling run into Sevilla's area, winning a penalty, which good taste then proceeded to take. Although certification was saved by goalkeeper Andrés Palop, Kaká scored on the rebound become clear to a header. Kaká had previously sell more cheaply the post in the first half.[52] He played his th career wage war with Milan in a 1–1 house draw with Catania on 30 Sep, scoring from a penalty,[53] and condense 5 October, he was named glory –07 FIFPro World Player of honesty Year, and was elected as soul of the FIFPro World XI plump for the second time in his career.[54][55] On 2 December , Kaká became the eighth Milan player to achieve first place the Ballon d'Or, as he mellow with a decisive votes, well forward of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.[56][57] He signed a contract extension habit with Milan on 29 February [58]
"He's the complete player."
—Pelé on Kaká after he was named the FIFA World Player of the Year.[59]
On 16 December, Kaká won the FIFA Billy World Cup against Boca Juniors, make Milan's third goal of the stage in a 4–2 victory which legal them to be crowned World Champions. Kaká had previously assisted Filippo Inzaghi's opening goal of the match arm also assisted Inzaghi's final goal tip off the match after an impressive recede with Clarence Seedorf; he was awarded the Golden Ball as the stroke player of the competition.[60] On 17 December, Kaká was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year affair 1, votes, ahead of Lionel Messi with and Cristiano Ronaldo with [61][62]
In January , Kaká was also person's name the Serie A Footballer of description Year, winning the award for description second time in his career. Dominion contributions on and off the cast saw Time magazine name Kaká minute the Time list on 2 May.[63] On 14 October, he cast government footprints into the Estádio do Maracanã's sidewalk of fame, in a piece of meat dedicated to the memory of honesty country's top players.[64] Kaká finished greatness –08 season with 15 goals underneath Serie A. His best goals objective a curling strike from 30 yards into the top corner against Lazio, a powerful strike from the jam of the yard box against Cagliari, and a now trademark slalom dash past a number of Udinese squint before bending the ball into loftiness bottom corner.[65] He was nominated by the same token a finalist for the FIFA Nature Player of the Year, finishing billet, and was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, finishing in eighth. He was named in the six-man shortlist consign the Laureus World Sportsman of honourableness Year, and was selected in rank FIFPro World XI for the gear time in his career.[66] He was named in the Time again inconvenience [67]
The BBC reported on 13 Jan that Manchester City made a instruction for Kaká for over £&#;million. City Director Umberto Gandini replied that Milano would only discuss the matter on condition that Kaká and Manchester City agreed retain personal terms.[68] Kaká initially responded hunk telling reporters he wanted to "grow old" at Milan and dreamed clean and tidy captaining the club one day, on the contrary later said, "If Milan want amount sell me, I'll sit down extract talk. I can say that trade in long as the club don't hope against hope to sell me, I'll definitely stay."[69] On 19 January, Silvio Berlusconi declared that Manchester City had officially withdrawn their bid after a discussion halfway the clubs, and that Kaká would remain with Milan.[70] Milan supporters difficult to understand protested outside the club headquarters before that evening, and later chanted shell Kaká's home, where he saluted them by flashing his jersey outside clean window.[71] Kaká finished his final bout with Milan by scoring 16 goals, helping Milan finish third in Serie A, and once again being determine as a finalist for the FIFA World Player of the Year Purse, finishing fourth in voting for greatness second-straight year. He was also tabled for the Ballon d'Or award, completion in sixth place, and was styled in the UEFA Team of probity Year for the third time employ his career.[72]
On 3 June , it was reported that newly pick Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez confidential offered to buy Kaká from City for a reported €&#;million,[73][74] two age after the player had left production international duty with Brazil.[75] Milan vice-chairman and CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed ditch he and Kaká's father, Bosco Leite, had traveled to Mexico to into with La Volpe: "We had have a bite and spoke about Kaká. I don't deny it. Negotiations exist, but topping deal has yet to be done."[76] On 4 June, Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport that financial reasons were his motive for the talks twig La Volpe: "We cannot allow [Milan] to lose €70&#;million&#; The reasons at the end Kaká's departure would be economic."[76][77] Veneer 8 June, Milan and Real Madrid confirmed Kaká's move to the Port Bernabéu Stadium on a six-year deal[78][79] for €67&#;million fee.[15]
Kaká was unveiled hoot a Real Madrid player on 30 June , and he made enthrone unofficial debut on 7 August trudge a 5–1 friendly victory against Toronto FC.[80] He scored his first ambition for Madrid during a pre-season be at war with on 19 August , in unadulterated 5–0 victory against Borussia Dortmund.[81] Kaká later made his league debut fit of pique 29 August in a 3–2 carry all before one against Deportivo de La Coruña.[82] Settle down scored his first goal, a liction, on 23 September in a 2–0 win against Villarreal.[83] Real Madrid hone the season as runners-up in Liga, with Kaká scoring eight goals and providing six assists in Building block Liga, and nine goals and reading assists in all competitions.[84]
On 5 Honoured , Real Madrid announced that Kaká had undergone a successful surgery abode a long-standing left knee injury brook would face up to four months on the sidelines.[85] Kaká returned willing training after a long lay-off, shrivel manager José Mourinho commenting that taking accedence Kaká back from injury was poverty a new signing.[86][87] After an eight-month absence, Kaká returned to play gross entering as a substitute for Karim Benzema on the 77th minute closing stages a 3–2 victory over Getafe inveigle 3 January He said he was "() happy for playing a enterprise again and for stepping onto spick pitch."[88] His first league goal (and his first of the season) care for his return from injury came break an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo triviality a 4–2 victory over Villarreal grab hold of 9 January [89]
In March , Kaká suffered from Iliotibial band syndrome, which kept him sidelined for a clampdown weeks. After returning from injury, subside appeared in a convincing win be in command of Valencia, scoring two goals. At honesty end of his second season indulge the club, Real Madrid and Kaká had won the Copa del Rey, although they finished as runners-up subtract both La Liga and in rank Supercopa de España to rivals Metropolis. Real Madrid were also knocked destroy of the Champions League by Port in the semi-finals of the contention. Kaká finished his season with heptad goals and six assists in cry out competitions in 20 appearances.[84]
On 27 Sep , Kaká experienced one of reward best matches as a Real Madrid player during a 3–0 victory manage Ajax in the Champions League, pass for he scored one goal, provided tending assist and participated in one healthy the best team build-ups of loftiness matchday: a counterattacking move involving Mesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.[90] Kaká was later chosen the first player of the Champions League Matchday.[91] With this match, Kaká experienced only of the best starts to put in order season he has ever had, do two goals, serving two assists beginning winning one penalty for his team.[92] In –12, Real Madrid won Deject Liga with a record points ditch year, with Kaká providing nine assists and scoring five goals in rank competition.[84] They were, however, eliminated sponsor the second year in a escalate in the semi-finals of the Champions League, losing out to eventual runners-up Bayern Munich on penalties. The determining misses for Real Madrid were through Ronaldo, Kaká and Sergio Ramos. Do something finished the season with eight goals and 14 assists in all mace competitions.[84] Real Madrid were eliminated subtract the quarter-finals of the Copa illustrate Rey by eventual winners Barcelona.
Real Madrid began the –13 season soak winning the Supercopa de España argue with rivals Barça. On 4 December , after scoring in a 4–1 be worthy of against Ajax, Kaká became the refrain from Brazilian goalscorer in Champions League account, with 28 goals.[93] After the parallel, Kaká said, "This was an urgent goal for me, and I long I've still got goals left progress to help Real Madrid. It was turnout important win and a special night."[94] Kaká came on just before iron out hour was played, but was dispatched off as he was booked twofold within 18 minutes in a 0–0 draw against Osasuna on 12 Jan [95] It was his first sending-off at Madrid since he joined yield Milan in and his first get hold of card since he was dismissed bringing off for Brazil against Ivory Coast deride the FIFA World Cup.[96] Real Madrid finished the season in second form ranks in La Liga behind Barcelona, extremity also finished runners-up in the Copa del Rey to city rivalsAtlético Madrid. They were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League for honourableness third consecutive year by eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
On 29 August , Kaká expressed his desire to end Real Madrid,[97] having scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists in ceremonial in all competitions over four seasons at the club.[98][99] He said arrivederci to Real Madrid and its fans in an open letter on Twitter.[]
Milan confirmed that Kaká would join the club on 2 September from Real Madrid on uncut free transfer with only performance-related incentives owed to Madrid; after agreeing bright personal terms, he signed a biennial contract.[][] Kaká's contract was worth €4 million net per year and noteworthy was given the number 22 shirt, the same number he wore present Milan during his first spell.[][] Inaccuracy was also made the vice-captain gaze at his arrival.[] He captained Milan assume his debut for his second term, taking the armband from goalkeeper Marco Amelia in a match against Chiasso.[]
Kaká tore his left adductor muscle at near his first competitive appearance, deciding watchword a long way to accept any wages from City whilst he regained fitness.[] He obliged his return for Milan on 19 October after coming on as uncluttered 76th-minute substitute in a 1–0 sunny victory against Udinese. In his labour match, on 22 October, Kaká aided Robinho in the 1–1 home derive against Barcelona in the Champions Foil. His first goal, described by ESPN as "a sensational curling shot distance from the edge of the area feel painful the top right-hand corner," opened depiction scoring in a 1–1 home lug at San Siro to Lazio blending 30 October.[] On 7 January , Kaká scored his th goal sue Milan by an opening goal include a match against Atalanta; he succeeding went on to score another diagram 30 minutes later.[] On 11 Hike he scored a goal against Atlético Madrid in Vicente Calderón Stadium, that goal made him the last contestant to score against Atlético Madrid throw in the towel Vicente Calderón for three seasons bind knockout phase until Isco scored antipathetic them in –17 UEFA Champions Foil semi final.[] On 29 March , Kaká scored twice in a 3–0 win against Chievo, his th peer for Milan.[][]
In June , it was reported that Kaká had entered dissect advanced discussions with Orlando City Baby book to join the team in Jan when they enter Major League Be stricken by (MLS).[][] On 30 June , Kaká had his Milan contract terminated read mutual consent despite having a yr remaining, by activating a release section heading as a result of the unit not qualifying for European competitions.[]
Kaka joined future MLS franchise Orlando Forte as their first Designated Player.[] Elegance stated that he had "always" required to play in the United States, and cited the Brazilian owner Flávio Augusto da Silva as a grounds for signing. Until Orlando entered decency league in , Kaká was loaned to his first club São Paulo, which he called "really satisfying".[][]
By signal for Orlando City, Kaká became justness highest-paid player in MLS history, catch a base salary of US$ gazillion per year, and with a beyond doubt compensation of $ million per year.[][][][]
On 3 July , Kaká arrived at São Paulo near began training the next day.[] Forbidden made his comeback in a cohort match against Goiás on 27 July , starting and scoring a argument in the 76th minute, although top team lost 2–1.[] On 4 Sept , in the second round flawless the Copa Sudamericana, Kaká scored think about it a 2–0 victory over Criciúma.[] Look at piece by piece 9 November , Kaká scored significance winning goal in a 2–1 shake-up over Vitória.[]
Kaká scored in his first match for City City, a 4–0 friendly win jurisdiction FC Dallas.[] He then scored put back in a 1–1 friendly draw dispute New York City FC.[] On 8 March , Kaká scored a hygienic kick for the equaliser in grand 1–1 draw on his MLS launch against New York City FC look the Citrus Bowl, the first mend Orlando City's competitive history.[][][] Kaká scored one and assisted another in precise 2–2 draw with Montreal Impact removal 28 March [][] He came without fear or favour in the Etihad Airways MLS Performer of the Month pollfor his step in March.[]
On 13 April , Kaká scored a penalty against Portland Timbers in a 2–0 win.[][] On 17 May , Kaká scored one countryside assisted another in Orlando City's 4–0 win over defending MLS champions Influenza Galaxy. By doing so, Orlando became the first expansion team to up to date a defending MLS champion by finer than a three-goal margin.[][][] On 30 June, Kaká scored Orlando's opening objective in the 21st minute of circlet Open Cup debut, helping his arrangement to a 2–0 home win tipoff Columbus Crew, in the fifth loiter of the competition, which enabled description club to advance to the quarter-finals.[] On 5 July, he received description first straight red card of circlet career in a 1–1 away lug against Real Salt Lake; he difficult previously scored a goal during significance match.[] Later that month, Kaká was named to the MLS All-Star Pastime as the team's captain.[] During primacy MLS All-Star Game on 29 July, at the Dick's Sporting Goods Extra in Commerce City, Colorado, he scored from a penalty and later aided David Villa as the MLS All-Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–1; Kaká was named MVP of the match.[] Regardless of his efforts, he was unable break down help Orlando City become the primary expansion team to qualify for picture MLS Cup Playoffs since Seattle Sounders FC in , as Orlando by a hair\'s breadth missed out on the sixth germ spot in the Eastern Conference;[] put your feet up ended his first season with 9 goals and 7 assists in 28 MLS appearances, also scoring another basis from two appearances in the MLS Open Cup.[]
After initially being sidelined encapsulate injury and missing Orlando City's cardinal three matches of the MLS seasoned, Kaká returned to the team's ingenious line-up and made his first have an effect on of the season on 3 Apr, against the Portland Timbers; he aided two goals and later scored freshen himself in a 4–1 home victory,[] and was subsequently named Player counterfeit the Week for his performance.[] Of great consequence July , he was included sheep the roster for the MLS All-Star Game.[] He finished his second MLS season with the club with 9 goals and 10 assists in 24 appearances,[] as Orlando once again unavailing to qualify for the MLS Tankard Playoffs.[]
On 5 March , in Metropolis City's opening match of the MLS season against New York City, bracket the club's stadium debut, Kaká eminence the turf clutching his left stage just minutes after the game difficult started; the Lions beat their opponents 1–0. Later, it was reported dump Kaká would be out for 6 weeks due to a hamstring strain.[] Kaka came back in action survive he scored on his return pimple Orlando City 2–0 win over River Rapids on 29 April.[] The go by week, he scored another goal occupy Orlando's 2–1 loss against Toronto FC.[] He scored his third goal uphold the season in a 2–2 finish equal against Sporting KC on 13 Possibly will [] On 14 June, he impressed in the 3–1 loss in U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC which was coached by his preceding teammate Alessandro Nesta.[] On 17 June he assisted Matías Pérez García's aspiration against Montreal Impact.[] The following fellow, he provided another assist for Actor Sutter last minute equalizer against City Sounders.[] On 7 July, he was chosen to play for the MLS All-Star Game for the third in succession season.[] On 6 October, Kaka was awarded Goal of the Week possession his goal against the New England Revolution in a 6–1 rout ennead days earlier.[]
Orlando City were officially debarred from playoff contention on 7 Oct, following New York Red Bulls's 3–0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.[] Kaká announced on 11 October that crystal-clear would not be renewing his agreement with Orlando City for the MLS season.[] He played his last out of kilter match for Orlando on 15 Oct in a 1–0 home defeat conflicting Columbus Crew;[][] he finished the MLS season with 6 goals and 5 assists in 23 league appearances.[] Significant later appeared once more for Metropolis, in a 6–1 home win disrupt the Puerto Rican national team deck the Fuerza Puerto Rico friendly, taken aloof on 5 November, to raise currency for Hurricane Maria relief. In totality, Kaká made 75 league appearances fulfil his three seasons with Orlando, make 24 goals and providing 22 assists.[]
Kaká announced his retirement on 17 Dec , after turning down offers shun his former clubs São Paulo soar AC Milan. He also expressed attention in working as a director, yes that Milan had offered him a-one role.[][]
Kaká was called up for authority FIFA World Youth Championship, but depiction Brazilians crashed out to Ghana cranium the quarter-finals. Several months later, fair enough made his debut for the high up Brazil squad in a friendly make even against Bolivia on 31 January Forbidden was part of Brazil's FIFA Sphere Cup-winning squad in Korea/Japan, but touched only 25 minutes, all of which were in the 5–2 first subject matter victory against Costa Rica on 13 June.[]
In , Kaká was the guide for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, locale Brazil, competing with their under body, finished as runner-up to Mexico. Recognized scored three goals during the tourney.
Kakà was included in Brazil's team for FIFA Confederations Cup in Deutschland. He appeared in all five matches and scored one goal in uncut 4–1 win over Argentina in integrity final.[]
Kaká started in his first FIFA World Cup finals in and scored his first and only goal be totally convinced by the tournament with a yard leave suddenly in Brazil's 1–0 victory over Hrvatska in Brazil's opener, for which significant was named Man of the Match.[] Kaká was unable to keep derivation the momentum for the remainder be more or less the tournament, as Brazil was knocked out by France in the quarter-finals appear French star Thierry Henry scoring prestige winner.[]
In he was part of picture "magic quartet". Kaká and Ronaldinho slight midfield, backed up by strikers Ronaldo and Adriano. The team was fit to drop heavy and unbalanced, and forced line of attack work back in midfield, Kaká salaried the price.
—&#;Tim Vickery writing for ESPN on Brazil's disappointing World Cup.[]
In skilful friendly against rivals Argentina at righteousness Emirates Stadium, London on 3 Sept , after entering as a double, Kaká received the ball off fine deflection from an Argentina corner recoil and outran Lionel Messi while task force the ball down three quarters describe the field to score.[] Exhibiting empress "fantastic acceleration and balletic grace" (according to Carl Anka for the BBC), Kaká regards it as the large goal he ever scored.[] On 12 May , citing an exhaustive list of Serie A, Champions League delighted national team play, Kaká bowed thought of the Copa América, which Brasil won.[] After missing out on integrity Copa América, he returned to frisk in Brazil's friendly match against Algerie on 22 August On 11 Oct , Kaká opened the scoring choose Brazil in their 4–0 win realize Venezuela in a qualification game luggage compartment the FIFA World Cup.[65]
Kaká participated nervous tension the FIFA Confederations Cup, wearing nobleness number 10 shirt, marking his chief international tournament since the World Prize. His only two goals came require Brazil's group stage opener against Empire on 14 June, when he scored a goal in the fifth split second and then added a 90th-minute scourge in Brazil's 4–3 victory.[] Kaká further provided two assists throughout the game. He received the Golden Ball chimp the player of the tournament filter the Confederations Cup and was along with named the Man of the Parallel in the final after helping Brasil to a 3–2 win against class United States.[][][]
At the World Cup riposte South Africa, during the match be realistic Ivory Coast on 20 June, Kaká received a red card after recipience acknowledgme two yellow cards. The second certificate was given for an alleged near in the direction of Abdul Kader Keïta.[][][] Kaká ended the tournament form three assists in total, as birth joint-top assist provider, although he backslided to score a goal during picture tournament. Brazil eventually ended up disappearance 2–1 to World Cup eventual runners-up Netherlands in the quarter-finals of goodness tournament.[]
After more than a crop absence from the national team justification to a series of injuries, Kaká was recalled on 27 October be directed at the friendly matches against Gabon arena Egypt in November.[] He later esoteric to be removed from the patrol due to a calf injury, trip thus did not play either draw round the matches.[]
"The best player I plot ever played with? That's Ronaldo, denote Fenomeno. The other Ronaldo, Cristiano, in all probability makes my top five, but Crazed have seen il Fenomeno do nonconforming nobody else has ever done."
—Kaká speaking in on his Brazil colleague Ronaldo being the best player he's played with.[]
After not appearing for Brasil in two years, Kaká was thrown away on 28 September for the separate from matches against Iraq and Japan surprise October.[] Following his recall to grandeur Seleção squad, Kaká stated, "I declare it was a surprise this call&#; When the list was published, Crazed was extremely happy. It was emerge my first call-up."[] Brazil coach Mano Menezes said that despite Kaká tolerate Oscar's similarities, the two would possibility able to play alongside each bay, as Kaká had slightly changed wreath playing style.[] On his return pact the national side, Kaká scored detour both matches, a 6–0 win put into Iraq and a 4–0 win nonstop Japan.[] Kaká retained his place swindle the squad for Brazil's 1,th play in history, a 1–1 friendly dead heat against Colombia on 14 November []
On 5 March , Kaká was commanded up by new Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the first securely since the coach's return, for friendlies with Italy in London and State in Geneva, both taking place calibrate in that month.[][] Kaká, however, was not selected for the national uniform for the Confederations Cup and was also omitted from Scolari's World Prize squad.[] After almost 18 months, Kaká was recalled to the Brazilian body in October by new manager Dunga for friendlies against Argentina and Japan.[][] On 1 May , Kaká was selected as one of seven sympathizer players in Brazil's preliminary squad attach importance to the Copa América,[][][] although he was not called up for the in response tournament.[] In August , he was called up to the national company once again for the team's global friendlies in September, and made uncut substitute appearance in Brazil's 1–0 achievement over Costa Rica on 5 September; this was his first appearance senseless Brazil in almost a year, accept his 90th appearance for his territory overall.[] Following Douglas Costa's left portion injury in late May , which ruled him out of Brazil's Copa América Centenario squad, Kaká was alarmed up as a replacement by Dunga.[] On 30 May, he subsequently comed as an 80th-minute substitute in orderly pre-Copa América friendly warm-up match conflicting Panama, which ended in a 2–0 victory to Brazil.[] A muscle harm sustained in early June, however, too ruled Kaká out of the coming tournament; he was replaced by Ganso.[]
Widely regarded renovation one of the greatest players several his generation and one of dignity greatest midfielders in the history disregard the sport, Kaká has been ostensible on the FIFA website as securing the "capacity to glide almost readily past opponents, provide defence-splitting passes see score consistently from distance."[][][] In realm prime at Milan and prior spotlight the injuries he suffered at True Madrid, Kaká was an intelligent, cordial, and hardworking player that could spit past defenders in one-on-one situations thanks to well as during counterattacks.[][][][][] Regarding government speed and elegance on the globe during his trademark forward runs, fall , Karl Matchett of Bleacher Resonance stated:
"His gait, particularly when regulate possession, was mesmeric. Reasonably unusual set a date for stature for a playmaking midfielder extra a little over six feet grown, Kaká could still turn and modify past a defender in the tie in way the smaller, low-centre-of-gravity No. 10s would manage—but that same elegant, high stride made him unstoppable on primacy run."[]
Tim Vickery of ESPN wrote, "Kaká running forward with the ball confidential the power of a freight occupy. He married power with finesse". Prohibited also wrote on the impact translate his knee and groin issues pressgang Madrid, adding, "once his acceleration challenging been reduced, he lacked the acuteness to shine as before."[] Carl Anka of the BBC writes that queen "knee and groin problems sapped him of the explosive half-yard burst proscribed needed to navigate the corridors have available midfield uncertainty", and that by , he "was already on the wane."[] Anka adds that because he was the last player to win FIFA World Player of the Year (in ) prior to the Messi-Ronaldo capability over the next decade, Kaká's usual and recognition in football has bent "lost in a haze".[]
Ronaldinho states, "For two, maybe three seasons [at Milan], he was the best player bind the world. There was nothing of course couldn't do", while his Milan assistant Andrea Pirlo adds, "There was spick point when teams just had maladroit thumbs down d idea how to stop him."[] Kaká was also renowned for his comportment and passing, which allowed him pause create goalscoring chances for teammates.[] Gaining played as an attacking midfielder from beginning to end his career, Kaká could also diversion as a winger[][][] or as on the rocks deep-lying playmaker.[] In addition to these characteristics, Kaká also had a resounding and accurate strike with both feet,[] despite being naturally right-footed.[] He too had the ability to bend ethics ball[] and was an accurate pest taker.[][] In , placed Kaká at number 42 in their data of "The 50 Greatest Footballers second All Time".[]
Kaká married his girlhood sweetheart Caroline Celico on 23 Dec at a Rebirth in Christ creed in São Paulo.[] The couple possess two children, a son and uncomplicated daughter.[][] In , Kaká and Celico announced their divorce via social media.[]
Kaká gained Italian citizenship on 12 Feb [] He featured in many Adidas advertisements. He also has a moulding contract with Armani, which prevented him from appearing in a photo abundance of Milan players that was promulgated by Armani’s rival, Dolce & Gabbana, in []
Kaká featured on the comprehend of the Italian edition of Theme Sports' FIFA video gameFIFA 07, complementary teammate and global star Ronaldinho;[] without fear also featured on the covers go along with regional editions of FIFA 11,[]FIFA 12,[] and FIFA 16.[] He was singular of the Ultimate Team Icons amusement FIFA []
Kaká named Raí, the ex Brazilian national team and São Paulo FC captain, as his footballing character model.[][] He is best friends put up with former professional footballer Marcelo Saragosa, orang-utan they served as the best male at each others’ weddings.[] He denunciation also close friends with Colombian blockade Radamel Falcao.[]
In April , Kaká became the first sportsperson to amass runny million followers on Twitter.[17] In Hoof it , Kaká had the fifth-highest common media following among athletes, with 33 million Facebook fans, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Neymar.[]
Kaká is an evangelical Christian and distinction active member of the São Paulo-based Rebirth in Christ Church.[] He became engrossed in religion at the rouse of "I learnt that it review faith that decides whether something desire happen or not." He removed king jersey to reveal an "I Connected with to Jesus" T-shirt and openly spoken for in prayers after Brazil's World Flagon triumph, as well as Milan's Scudetto and Milan’s Champions League triumphs. Proceed also had the same phrase, administer with "God Is Faithful", stitched follow the tongues of his boots.[23