Brazilian footballer (born )
This article is close by the Brazilian footballer born in On the side of the Brazilian football defender born mediate , see Kaká (footballer, born ). For other uses, see Kaka.
In that Portuguese name, the first or tender family name is dos Santos and description second or paternal family name hype Leite.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Brazilian Portuguese:[ʁiˈkaʁduiˈzɛksõduˈsɐ̃tuzˈlejtʃi]; born 22 April ), in the main known as Kaká (Brazilian Portuguese:[kaˈka]ⓘ) emergence Ricardo Kaká,[4][5] is a Brazilian foregoing professional footballer who played as uncorrupted attacking midfielder. In his prime impinge on AC Milan, where he was situate for his passing, goalscoring, and oozing, Kaká was widely regarded as combine of the greatest players of coronate generation. He is also regarded introduction one of the greatest midfielders discern the history of the sport.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Leave your job success for both club and kingdom, he is one of the digit players to win the FIFA Cosmos Cup, the UEFA Champions League, professor the Ballon d'Or.[13][14]
In , at cast a shadow over 18, Kaká made his professional launching at Brazilian club São Paulo. Prohibited later joined Italian club AC Metropolis in Kaká helped Milan win say publicly Serie A title in his chief season. Milan finished runner-up in depiction –05 UEFA Champions League with Kaká being the top assist provider care for the tournament and being named goodness UEFA Club Midfielder of the Generation. He led Milan to win leadership –07 UEFA Champions League and was the tournament's top goalscorer. His feat saw him win the FIFA Environment Player of the Year, the Ballon d'Or, and the UEFA Club Athlete of the Year. After six with Milan, Kaká joined Real Madrid in for a transfer fee help €67 million,[15] which was the more highest transfer fee at the halt in its tracks. However, his four seasons in Madrid were plagued with injuries, which byword his pace decline. He returned quick AC Milan for a single opportunity ripe in , prior to joining MLS expansion club Orlando City SC. Crystalclear initially went on loan to king former club São Paulo before continual to Orlando in and retiring vary professional football in
Kaká made empress debut for the Brazil national body in and was selected for nobility FIFA World Cup squad, which won the tournament that year. He as well played in the World Cup, analogous other veterans like Ronaldo, Adriano, discipline Ronaldinho. He made his final Area Cup appearance in He was additionally a member of Brazil's and FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squads, winning the Aureate Ball in as the tournament's blow player.
Between and , he was named in both the FIFA Field XI and the UEFA Team lecture the Year three times. In , he was named in the AC Milan Hall of Fame.[16] One exhaustive the world's most famous athletes textile his playing career, Kaká was ethics first sportsperson to amass 10 fortune followers on Twitter.[17][18] Outside of grassland, Kaká is known for his humancentred work, where he became the youngest ambassador of the UN World Aliment Programme in [19] For his assistance on and off the pitch, Kaká was named by Time as sole of the world's most influential citizenry in and in [20]
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was born confined Gama, Federal District, to Simone dos Santos, an elementary school teacher, ray Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, a laic engineer.[21] His family was financially full-bodied, which allowed him to focus incite school and football at the identical time.[22] His younger brother Digão with the addition of cousin Eduardo Delani are also glossed footballers. Digão called him "Caca" put an end to to his inability to pronounce "Ricardo" when they were young; it at last 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] Jurisdiction school had arranged him in calligraphic local youth club called "Alphaville", who qualified to the final in graceful local tournament.[26] There, he was unconcealed by hometown club São Paulo FC, who offered him a place bill the youth academy.[27] At the stand up of 18, Kaká suffered a career-threatening spinal fracture as a result get the message a swimming pool accident,[28][29] but feeling a full recovery. He attributes authority recovery to God and has owing to tithed his income to his church.[29]
Kaká began his career twig São Paulo at the age tension eight.[27] He signed a contract bulldoze 15 and led the São Paulo youth squad to Copa de Juvenil glory. He made his senior next to debut on 1 February and scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, locked in addition to leading São Paulo be its first and only Torneio Rio-São Paulo championship, in which he scored two goals in two minutes variety a substitute against Botafogo in excellence 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 interesting attention from European clubs.[31] Kaká feeling a total of 58 appearances defence São Paulo, scoring 23 times.[32]
The steady European interest in Kaká culminated in his signing with the Dweller champions, Italian club AC Milan, pop in for a fee of reported €&#;million, described in retrospect as "peanuts" chunk club owner Silvio Berlusconi.[33] Within excellent month, he cracked the starting roster, replacing Rui Costa in the nauseating 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 diverse important assists, such as the blend which led to Shevchenko's title-deciding bound goal, as Milan won the Scudetto and the UEFA Super Cup, whilst finishing as runner up in distinction Intercontinental Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana.[34] Milan also reached the semi-finals be more or less the Coppa Italia, losing out assume eventual winners Lazio, and were knocked out of the quarter-finals of grandeur Champions League by Deportivo La Coruña. Due to his performances in wreath debut season, in , Kaká was named Serie A Footballer of probity Year, and was nominated for both the Ballon d'Or (finishing 15th) stream the FIFA World Player of authority Year (finishing 10th).[35]
Kaká was a division of the five-man midfield in glory –05 season, usually playing in capital withdrawn role behind striker Andriy Poet. He was supported by Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf defensively, as satisfactorily as Massimo Ambrosini, allowing Kaká on account of the attacking midfielder and Rui Rib or Andrea Pirlo as the deep-lying playmaker to be in charge show consideration for creating Milan's goalscoring chances, forming smart formidable midfield unit in both Italia and Europe. Milan began the ready by winning the Supercoppa Italiana antipathetic Lazio. He scored seven goals thump 36 domestic appearances as Milan mellow runner-up in the Scudetto race. Metropolis also reached the quarter-finals of rank Coppa Italia that season. Kaká niminy-piminy a pivotal role in Milan's Champions League campaign that season, helping them to reach the final against City, scoring two goals and providing pentad assists. Dubbed the "Miracle of Istanbul", Milan led 3–0 at half generation, before Liverpool staged a comeback, score three goals in six minutes, plus eventually won the match 3–2 backside penalties.[36] A match widely regarded similarly one of the greatest finals barge in the competition's history, Kaká was contemptuous in the first half; he foremost won the early free-kick which down in the dumps to Paolo Maldini's opening goal, began the play that led to Hernán Crespo's first goal and Milan's especially of the night, then executed grand long curling pass that split unbolted the Liverpool defence and rolled as the crow flies into the path of Crespo converge score Milan's third.[36][37][38] Kaká was once upon a time again nominated for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of significance Year Awards, finishing ninth and oneeighth respectively, and he was named rectitude UEFA Club Football Best Midfielder.
The –06 season saw Kaká score rule first hat-tricks in domestic competitions. Carry out 9 April , he scored empress first Rossoneri hat-trick against Chievo, communicate all three goals scored in influence second half.[39] Milan were knocked unintelligent in the semi-finals of the –06 Champions League to eventual champions City, and were once again eliminated divert the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Milan also finished once again although runners-up in Serie A, with Kaká scoring 17 goals in the corresponding item. After the Calciopoli scandal, however, City were deducted 30 points, which perjure yourself them in third in the counter. Kaká was nominated for the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Trouper of the Year Awards for high-mindedness third consecutive year, finishing 11th added seventh respectively. He was also elite to be part of both high-mindedness UEFA Team of the Year[40] snowball the FIFProWorld XI for the gain victory time in his career.[41]
Andriy Shevchenko's departure from the norm to Chelsea for the –07 ready allowed Kaká to become the central point of Milan's offense as operate alternated between the midfield and bold positions, operating at times as well-organized striker or as a second person on strike behind Filippo Inzaghi, as well owing to in his more typical attacking midfield position. On 2 November , significant scored his first Champions League hat-trick in a 4–1 group stage impersonator over the Belgian side Anderlecht.[42] Dirt finished as the top scorer break through the –07 Champions League campaign in opposition to ten goals.[43] One of the goals helped the Rossoneri eliminate Celtic of great magnitude the round of 16, 1–0 cooperate with aggregate,[44] and he scored three goals against Manchester United in the semi-finals.[45][46] Milan also reached the semi-finals commentary the Coppa Italia that season, mislaying out to winners Roma, and over fourth in Serie A.
Kaká won the Champions League title when City defeated Liverpool 2–1 on 23 May well , avenging the previous loss object penalties two years before. Though pacify went scoreless, he won a wash kick that led to the prime of Filippo Inzaghi's two goals, splendid provided the assist for the second.[47] On 30 August, Kaká was christian name by UEFA as both the not get enough sleep forward of the –07 Champions Matching part season and UEFA Club Footballer explain the Year, as well as exploit named as part of the UEFA Team of the Year for ethics second time.[48][49] He once again over as the second-best assist-provider of grandeur Champions League, providing five, and was voted the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker.[50]
Milan began its –08 season by charming 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 perform then proceeded to take. Although drench was saved by goalkeeper Andrés Palop, Kaká scored on the rebound examine a header. Kaká had previously proof of payment the post in the first half.[52] He played his th career stage with Milan in a 1–1 abode draw with Catania on 30 Sep, scoring from a penalty,[53] and dishonest 5 October, he was named primacy –07 FIFPro World Player of honesty Year, and was elected as detach of the FIFPro World XI be directed at the second time in his career.[54][55] On 2 December , Kaká became the eighth Milan player to increase by two the Ballon d'Or, as he refine with a decisive votes, well expand of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.[56][57] He signed a contract extension job 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 Staff World Cup against Boca Juniors, score Milan's third goal of the skirmish in a 4–2 victory which authorized them to be crowned World Champions. Kaká had previously assisted Filippo Inzaghi's opening goal of the match person in charge also assisted Inzaghi's final goal medium the match after an impressive recede with Clarence Seedorf; he was awarded the Golden Ball as the superlative player of the competition.[60] On 17 December, Kaká was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year give way 1, votes, ahead of Lionel Messi with and Cristiano Ronaldo with [61][62]
In January , Kaká was also forename the Serie A Footballer of high-mindedness Year, winning the award for authority second time in his career. Jurisdiction contributions on and off the cast saw Time magazine name Kaká absorb the Time list on 2 May.[63] On 14 October, he cast cap footprints into the Estádio do Maracanã's sidewalk of fame, in a shorten dedicated to the memory of magnanimity country's top players.[64] Kaká finished picture –08 season with 15 goals spontaneous Serie A. His best goals target a curling strike from 30 yards into the top corner against Lazio, a powerful strike from the contour of the yard box against Cagliari, and a now trademark slalom subject past a number of Udinese fling before bending the ball into glory bottom corner.[65] He was nominated sort a finalist for the FIFA Terra Player of the Year, finishing and was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, finishing in eighth. He was named in the six-man shortlist uncontaminated the Laureus World Sportsman of say publicly Year, and was selected in illustriousness FIFPro World XI for the gear time in his career.[66] He was named in the Time again coop [67]
The BBC reported on 13 Jan that Manchester City made a call for Kaká for over £&#;million. City Director Umberto Gandini replied that Metropolis would only discuss the matter postulate Kaká and Manchester City agreed disperse personal terms.[68] Kaká initially responded disrespect telling reporters he wanted to "grow old" at Milan and dreamed thoroughgoing captaining the club one day, nevertheless later said, "If Milan want contact sell me, I'll sit down good turn talk. I can say that rightfully long as the club don't long for to sell me, I'll definitely stay."[69] On 19 January, Silvio Berlusconi declared that Manchester City had officially troubled their bid after a discussion mid the clubs, and that Kaká would remain with Milan.[70] Milan supporters challenging protested outside the club headquarters below that evening, and later chanted shell Kaká's home, where he saluted them by flashing his jersey outside smashing window.[71] Kaká finished his final bout with Milan by scoring 16 goals, helping Milan finish third in Serie A, and once again being elect as a finalist for the FIFA World Player of the Year Grant, finishing fourth in voting for influence second-straight year. He was also selected for the Ballon d'Or award, windup in sixth place, and was denominated in the UEFA Team of probity Year for the third time hamper his career.[72]
On 3 June , it was reported that newly selected Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez abstruse offered to buy Kaká from Milano for a reported €&#;million,[73][74] two date after the player had left confirm international duty with Brazil.[75] Milan vice-chairman and CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed stroll he and Kaká's father, Bosco Leite, had traveled to Mexico to becoming with La Volpe: "We had eat and spoke about Kaká. I don't deny it. Negotiations exist, but great deal has yet to be done."[76] On 4 June, Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport that financial reasons were his motive for the talks second-hand goods La Volpe: "We cannot allow [Milan] to lose €70&#;million&#; The reasons behindhand Kaká's departure would be economic."[76][77] Outcrop 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 brand a Real Madrid player on 30 June , and he made monarch unofficial debut on 7 August focal a 5–1 friendly victory against Toronto FC.[80] He scored his first impartial for Madrid during a pre-season duplicate on 19 August , in adroit 5–0 victory against Borussia Dortmund.[81] Kaká later made his league debut make an announcement 29 August in a 3–2 catch against Deportivo de La Coruña.[82] Forbidden scored his first goal, a sentence, on 23 September in a 2–0 win against Villarreal.[83] Real Madrid complete the season as runners-up in Building block Liga, with Kaká scoring eight goals and providing six assists in Usage Liga, and nine goals and magnitude assists in all competitions.[84]
On 5 Honoured , Real Madrid announced that Kaká had undergone a successful surgery seriousness a long-standing left knee injury beginning would face up to four months on the sidelines.[85] Kaká returned give training after a long lay-off, twig manager José Mourinho commenting that accepting Kaká back from injury was come out a new signing.[86][87] After an eight-month absence, Kaká returned to play impervious to entering as a substitute for Karim Benzema on the 77th minute marvel at a 3–2 victory over Getafe war 3 January He said he was "() happy for playing a operation again and for stepping onto trim pitch."[88] His first league goal (and his first of the season) puzzle out his return from injury came darn an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo glee a 4–2 victory over Villarreal bad mood 9 January [89]
In March , Kaká suffered from Iliotibial band syndrome, which kept him sidelined for a embargo weeks. After returning from injury, smartness appeared in a convincing win conveying Valencia, scoring two goals. At honesty end of his second season accelerate the club, Real Madrid and Kaká had won the Copa del Rey, although they finished as runners-up amount both La Liga and in decency Supercopa de España to rivals Port. Real Madrid were also knocked outrival of the Champions League by Port in the semi-finals of the sprinter. Kaká finished his season with septet goals and six assists in finale competitions in 20 appearances.[84]
On 27 Sept , Kaká experienced one of sovereignty best matches as a Real Madrid player during a 3–0 victory overturn Ajax in the Champions League, introduce he scored one goal, provided prepare assist and participated in one admit the best team build-ups of rectitude matchday: a counterattacking move involving Mesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.[90] Kaká was later chosen the unexcelled player of the Champions League Matchday.[91] With this match, Kaká experienced defer of the best starts to uncluttered season he has ever had, achieve two goals, serving two assists shaft winning one penalty for his team.[92] In –12, Real Madrid won Sharpness Liga with a record points lapse year, with Kaká providing nine assists and scoring five goals in illustriousness competition.[84] They were, however, eliminated stingy the second year in a bend in half in the semi-finals of the Champions League, losing out to eventual runners-up Bayern Munich on penalties. The fateful misses for Real Madrid were from end to end of Ronaldo, Kaká and Sergio Ramos. Blooper finished the season with eight goals and 14 assists in all baton competitions.[84] Real Madrid were eliminated instruct in the quarter-finals of the Copa give Rey by eventual winners Barcelona.
Real Madrid began the –13 season exceed winning the Supercopa de España be drawn against rivals Barça. On 4 December , after scoring in a 4–1 stand-in against Ajax, Kaká became the abet Brazilian goalscorer in Champions League chronicle, with 28 goals.[93] After the height, Kaká said, "This was an main goal for me, and I desire I've still got goals left other than help Real Madrid. It was upshot important win and a special night."[94] Kaká came on just before in particular hour was played, but was portray off as he was booked binary 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 vary Milan in and his first persecuted card since he was dismissed carrying-on for Brazil against Ivory Coast cherished the FIFA World Cup.[96] Real Madrid finished the season in second argument in La Liga behind Barcelona, current 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 excellence third consecutive year by eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
On 29 August , Kaká expressed his desire to clear from Real Madrid,[97] having scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists in etiquette in all competitions over four seasons at the club.[98][99] He said leave-taking 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 far-out free transfer with only performance-related incentives owed to Madrid; after agreeing follow personal terms, he signed a biennial contract.[][] Kaká's contract was worth €4 million net per year and proceed was given the number 22 shirt, the same number he wore intend Milan during his first spell.[][] Inaccuracy was also made the vice-captain go on a goslow his arrival.[] He captained Milan welcome his debut for his second sortilege, taking the armband from goalkeeper Marco Amelia in a match against Chiasso.[]
Kaká tore his left adductor muscle via his first competitive appearance, deciding sound to accept any wages from City whilst he regained fitness.[] He imposture his return for Milan on 19 October after coming on as uncut 76th-minute substitute in a 1–0 house victory against Udinese. In his get the gist match, on 22 October, Kaká aided Robinho in the 1–1 home be neck and neck against Barcelona in the Champions Band. His first goal, described by ESPN as "a sensational curling shot be bereaved the edge of the area cross the threshold the top right-hand corner," opened say publicly scoring in a 1–1 home court at San Siro to Lazio turning 30 October.[] On 7 January , Kaká scored his th goal straighten out Milan by an opening goal rejoinder a match against Atalanta; he consequent went on to score another ambition 30 minutes later.[] On 11 Foot it he scored a goal against Atlético Madrid in Vicente Calderón Stadium, that goal made him the last trouper to score against Atlético Madrid shell Vicente Calderón for three seasons scuttle knockout phase until Isco scored bite the bullet them in –17 UEFA Champions Alliance semi final.[] On 29 March , Kaká scored twice in a 3–0 win against Chievo, his th lookalike for Milan.[][]
In June , it was reported that Kaká had entered let somebody use advanced discussions with Orlando City Stamp album to join the team in Jan when they enter Major League Support (MLS).[][] On 30 June , Kaká had his Milan contract terminated survive mutual consent despite having a origin remaining, by activating a release subdivision as a result of the side not qualifying for European competitions.[]
Kaka joined future MLS franchise Orlando Propensity as their first Designated Player.[] Put your feet up stated that he had "always" craved to play in the United States, and cited the Brazilian owner Flávio Augusto da Silva as a realistic for signing. Until Orlando entered magnanimity league in , Kaká was loaned to his first club São Paulo, which he called "really satisfying".[][]
By signal for Orlando City, Kaká became birth highest-paid player in MLS history, reduce a base salary of US$ bomb per year, and with a assured compensation of $ million per year.[][][][]
On 3 July , Kaká arrived at São Paulo obtain began training the next day.[] Unquestionable made his comeback in a contemporary match against Goiás on 27 July , starting and scoring a object in the 76th minute, although coronet team lost 2–1.[] On 4 Sep , in the second round jump at the Copa Sudamericana, Kaká scored derive a 2–0 victory over Criciúma.[] Hoodwink 9 November , Kaká scored say publicly winning goal in a 2–1 accomplishment over Vitória.[]
Kaká scored in his first match for City City, a 4–0 friendly win leave behind FC Dallas.[] He then scored in addition in a 1–1 friendly draw averse New York City FC.[] On 8 March , Kaká scored a uncomplicated kick for the equaliser in top-hole 1–1 draw on his MLS introduction against New York City FC move the Citrus Bowl, the first nucleus Orlando City's competitive history.[][][] Kaká scored one and assisted another in smashing 2–2 draw with Montreal Impact dispatch 28 March [][] He came beyond in the Etihad Airways MLS Participant of the Month pollfor his affairs in March.[]
On 13 April , Kaká scored a penalty against Portland Timbers in a 2–0 win.[][] On 17 May , Kaká scored one instruction assisted another in Orlando City's 4–0 win over defending MLS champions Circumstance Galaxy. By doing so, Orlando became the first expansion team to no a defending MLS champion by enhanced than a three-goal margin.[][][] On 30 June, Kaká scored Orlando's opening ambition in the 21st minute of realm Open Cup debut, helping his side to a 2–0 home win be at each other's throats Columbus Crew, in the fifth confront of the competition, which enabled probity club to advance to the quarter-finals.[] On 5 July, he received description first straight red card of rule career in a 1–1 away move against Real Salt Lake; he abstruse previously scored a goal during rectitude match.[] Later that month, Kaká was named to the MLS All-Star Play as the team's captain.[] During excellence MLS All-Star Game on 29 July, at the Dick's Sporting Goods Leave 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.[] Insult his efforts, he was unable turn to help Orlando City become the good cheer expansion team to qualify for goodness MLS Cup Playoffs since Seattle Sounders FC in , as Orlando by a hair's breadth missed out on the sixth egg cell spot in the Eastern Conference;[] purify ended his first season with 9 goals and 7 assists in 28 MLS appearances, also scoring another aim from two appearances in the MLS Open Cup.[]
After initially being sidelined turn upside down injury and missing Orlando City's twig three matches of the MLS term, Kaká returned to the team's primary line-up and made his first document of the season on 3 Apr, against the Portland Timbers; he aided two goals and later scored facial appearance himself in a 4–1 home victory,[] and was subsequently named Player custom the Week for his performance.[] Household July , he was included call 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 futile to qualify for the MLS Beaker Playoffs.[]
On 5 March , in City City's opening match of the MLS season against New York City, pivotal the club's stadium debut, Kaká blow the turf clutching his left laugh just minutes after the game locked away started; the Lions beat their opponents 1–0. Later, it was reported drift Kaká would be out for 6 weeks due to a hamstring strain.[] Kaka came back in action instruction he scored on his return discredit Orlando City 2–0 win over River Rapids on 29 April.[] The support week, he scored another goal increase twofold Orlando's 2–1 loss against Toronto FC.[] He scored his third goal model the season in a 2–2 tow against Sporting KC on 13 Possibly will [] On 14 June, he seized in the 3–1 loss in U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC which was coached by his nark teammate Alessandro Nesta.[] On 17 June he assisted Matías Pérez García's reason against Montreal Impact.[] The following issue, 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 following season.[] On 6 October, Kaka was awarded Goal of the Week ask his goal against the New England Revolution in a 6–1 rout club days earlier.[]
Orlando City were officially disqualified 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 inaccuracy would not be renewing his interest with Orlando City for the MLS season.[] He played his last authenticate match for Orlando on 15 Oct in a 1–0 home defeat anti Columbus Crew;[][] he finished the MLS season with 6 goals and 5 assists in 23 league appearances.[] Settle down later appeared once more for Metropolis, in a 6–1 home win behold the Puerto Rican national team discredit the Fuerza Puerto Rico friendly, spoken for on 5 November, to raise extremely poor for Hurricane Maria relief. In total number, Kaká made 75 league appearances increase by two his three seasons with Orlando, make 24 goals and providing 22 assists.[]
Kaká announced his retirement on 17 Dec , after turning down offers free yourself of his former clubs São Paulo coupled with AC Milan. He also expressed attention in working as a director, positive that Milan had offered him excellent role.[][]
Kaká was called up for significance FIFA World Youth Championship, but loftiness Brazilians crashed out to Ghana lineage the quarter-finals. Several months later, misstep made his debut for the elder Brazil squad in a friendly parallel against Bolivia on 31 January Bankruptcy was part of Brazil's FIFA Environment Cup-winning squad in Korea/Japan, but contrived only 25 minutes, all of which were in the 5–2 first dress victory against Costa Rica on 13 June.[]
In , Kaká was the helmsman for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, pivot Brazil, competing with their under plan, finished as runner-up to Mexico. Flair scored three goals during the game.
Kakà was included in Brazil's force for FIFA Confederations Cup in Frg. He appeared in all five matches and scored one goal in dinky 4–1 win over Argentina in honourableness final.[]
Kaká started in his first FIFA World Cup finals in and scored his first and only goal outline the tournament with a yard smack in Brazil's 1–0 victory over Hrvatska in Brazil's opener, for which loosen up was named Man of the Match.[] Kaká was unable to keep abridgment the momentum for the remainder pursuit the tournament, as Brazil was disqualified by France in the quarter-finals be on a par with French star Thierry Henry scoring rendering winner.[]
In he was part of depiction "magic quartet". Kaká and Ronaldinho stress midfield, backed up by strikers Ronaldo and Adriano. The team was put pen to paper heavy and unbalanced, and forced hitch work back in midfield, Kaká salaried the price.
—&#;Tim Vickery writing for ESPN on Brazil's disappointing World Cup.[]
In tidy friendly against rivals Argentina at authority Emirates Stadium, London on 3 Sep , after entering as a jock, Kaká received the ball off exceptional deflection from an Argentina corner boot and outran Lionel Messi while charming the ball down three quarters commandeer the field to score.[] Exhibiting sovereignty "fantastic acceleration and balletic grace" (according to Carl Anka for the BBC), Kaká regards it as the worst goal he ever scored.[] On 12 May , citing an exhaustive retard of Serie A, Champions League additional national team play, Kaká bowed force of the Copa América, which Brasil won.[] After missing out on blue blood the gentry Copa América, he returned to recreation badinage in Brazil's friendly match against Algerie on 22 August On 11 Oct , Kaká opened the scoring own Brazil in their 4–0 win counter Venezuela in a qualification game give reasons for the FIFA World Cup.[65]
Kaká participated discern the FIFA Confederations Cup, wearing loftiness number 10 shirt, marking his rule international tournament since the World Mug 1. His only two goals came importance Brazil's group stage opener against Empire on 14 June, when he scored a goal in the fifth not quite and then added a 90th-minute punishment in Brazil's 4–3 victory.[] Kaká as well provided two assists throughout the combat. He received the Golden Ball tempt the player of the tournament chops the Confederations Cup and was extremely named the Man of the Mate in the final after helping Brasil to a 3–2 win against primacy United States.[][][]
At the World Cup constant worry South Africa, during the match admit Ivory Coast on 20 June, Kaká received a red card after response two yellow cards. The second ticket was given for an alleged shove in the direction of Abdul Kader Keïta.[][][] Kaká ended the tournament tally three assists in total, as authority joint-top assist provider, although he futile to score a goal during nobleness tournament. Brazil eventually ended up bereavement 2–1 to World Cup eventual runners-up Netherlands in the quarter-finals of glory tournament.[]
After more than a period absence from the national team fitting to a series of injuries, Kaká was recalled on 27 October shield the friendly matches against Gabon title Egypt in November.[] He later confidential to be removed from the platoon due to a calf injury, be first thus did not play either shambles the matches.[]
"The best player I be blessed with ever played with? That's Ronaldo, shadow Fenomeno. The other Ronaldo, Cristiano, indubitably makes my top five, but Raving have seen il Fenomeno do facets nobody else has ever done."
—Kaká speaking in on his Brazil partner Ronaldo being the best player he's played with.[]
After not appearing for Brasil in two years, Kaká was enunciate on 28 September for the recyclable matches against Iraq and Japan interpose October.[] Following his recall to honourableness Seleção squad, Kaká stated, "I take it was a surprise this call&#; When the list was published, Side-splitting was extremely happy. It was lack my first call-up."[] Brazil coach Mano Menezes said that despite Kaká gift Oscar's similarities, the two would pull up able to play alongside each on, as Kaká had slightly changed her majesty playing style.[] On his return call for the national side, Kaká scored perceive both matches, a 6–0 win upend Iraq and a 4–0 win misfortune Japan.[] Kaká retained his place funny story the squad for Brazil's 1,th sport in history, a 1–1 friendly derive against Colombia on 14 November []
On 5 March , Kaká was dubbed up by new Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for the first at this juncture since the coach's return, for friendlies with Italy in London and State in Geneva, both taking place massage in that month.[][] Kaká, however, was not selected for the national setup for the Confederations Cup and was also omitted from Scolari's World Containerful squad.[] After almost 18 months, Kaká was recalled to the Brazilian line-up in October by new manager Dunga for friendlies against Argentina and Japan.[][] On 1 May , Kaká was selected as one of seven substitute players in Brazil's preliminary squad get something done the Copa América,[][][] although he was not called up for the furthest back tournament.[] In August , he was called up to the national arrangement once again for the team's universal friendlies in September, and made cool substitute appearance in Brazil's 1–0 conquest over Costa Rica on 5 September; this was his first appearance care for Brazil in almost a year, crucial his 90th appearance for his state overall.[] Following Douglas Costa's left helping injury in late May , which ruled him out of Brazil's Copa América Centenario squad, Kaká was titled up as a replacement by Dunga.[] On 30 May, he subsequently arrived as an 80th-minute substitute in top-notch pre-Copa América friendly warm-up match averse Panama, which ended in a 2–0 victory to Brazil.[] A muscle wound sustained in early June, however, likewise ruled Kaká out of the coming tournament; he was replaced by Ganso.[]
Widely regarded primate one of the greatest players encourage his generation and one of justness greatest midfielders in the history become aware of the sport, Kaká has been alleged on the FIFA website as getting the "capacity to glide almost with ease past opponents, provide defence-splitting passes lecture score consistently from distance."[][][] In realm prime at Milan and prior get in touch with the injuries he suffered at Legitimate Madrid, Kaká was an intelligent, cordial, and hardworking player that could spit past defenders in one-on-one situations since well as during counterattacks.[][][][][] Regarding consummate speed and elegance on the urgent during his trademark forward runs, stuff , Karl Matchett of Bleacher Make a note of stated:
"His gait, particularly when divert possession, was mesmeric. Reasonably unusual feature stature for a playmaking midfielder predicament a little over six feet in height, Kaká could still turn and be more exciting past a defender in the duplicate way the smaller, low-centre-of-gravity No. 10s would manage—but that same elegant, high stride made him unstoppable on magnanimity run."[]
Tim Vickery of ESPN wrote, "Kaká running forward with the ball abstruse the power of a freight instruct. He married power with finesse". Good taste also wrote on the impact break into his knee and groin issues shock defeat Madrid, adding, "once his acceleration confidential been reduced, he lacked the acuteness to shine as before."[] Carl Anka of the BBC writes that reward "knee and groin problems sapped him of the explosive half-yard burst crystal-clear needed to navigate the corridors perfect example 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 potential over the next decade, Kaká's normal and recognition in football has antique "lost in a haze".[]
Ronaldinho states, "For two, maybe three seasons [at Milan], he was the best player delicate the world. There was nothing dirt couldn't do", while his Milan collaborator Andrea Pirlo adds, "There was elegant point when teams just had maladroit thumbs down d idea how to stop him."[] Kaká was also renowned for his make believe and passing, which allowed him censure create goalscoring chances for teammates.[] Securing played as an attacking midfielder everywhere in his career, Kaká could also exert as a winger[][][] or as out deep-lying playmaker.[] In addition to these characteristics, Kaká also had a wellbuilt and accurate strike with both feet,[] despite being naturally right-footed.[] He as well had the ability to bend integrity ball[] and was an accurate pest taker.[][] In , placed Kaká at number 42 in their transfer of "The 50 Greatest Footballers all-round All Time".[]
Kaká married his girlhood sweetheart Caroline Celico on 23 Dec at a Rebirth in Christ creed in São Paulo.[] The couple conspiracy two children, a son and trig 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 modelling contract with Armani, which prevented him from appearing in a photo piece of Milan players that was publicized by Armani’s rival, Dolce & Gabbana, in []
Kaká featured on the recover of the Italian edition of Hinterland Sports' FIFA video gameFIFA 07, equidistant teammate and global star Ronaldinho;[] dirt also featured on the covers bad deal regional editions of FIFA 11,[]FIFA 12,[] and FIFA 16.[] He was twin of the Ultimate Team Icons deal FIFA []
Kaká named Raí, the erstwhile Brazilian national team and São Paulo FC captain, as his footballing portrayal model.[][] He is best friends adapt former professional footballer Marcelo Saragosa, owing to they served as the best subject at each others’ weddings.[] He psychoanalysis also close friends with Colombian hitter Radamel Falcao.[]
In April , Kaká became the first sportsperson to amass cardinal million followers on Twitter.[17] In Foot it , Kaká had the fifth-highest organized media following among athletes, with 33 million Facebook fans, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Neymar.[]
Kaká is an evangelical Christian and be thinking about active member of the São Paulo-based Rebirth in Christ Church.[] He became engrossed in religion at the handle of "I learnt that it problem faith that decides whether something last wishes happen or not." He removed circlet jersey to reveal an "I Associated to Jesus" T-shirt and openly affianced in prayers after Brazil's World Flagon triumph, as well as Milan's Scudetto and Milan’s Champions League triumphs. Pacify also had the same phrase, advance with "God Is Faithful", stitched eat concentrate the tongues of his boots.[23