Kaka signed memorabilia: 1 product

If the likes of Pele and Maradona set the benchmark for football greatness in the 20th century, one player has already staked his claim to a similar position in the 21st, Kaka. The midfield maestro is the inspiration behind much that is exceptional for Brazil, possessing as he does sublime skills, almost supernatural vision and massive self-belief. They are qualities that earned Kaka the twin accolades of European Player of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, and that have convinced Real Madrid to pay a record £56 million for his services.

When just eight years old Kaka joined Sao Paulo in Brazil, for whom he signed a contract at 15. He made his first-team debut when just 18 and went on to score 22 goals in 49 appearances before his obvious ability attracted the attention of the European heavyweights. In the summer of 2003 he was snapped up for a relatively paltry £4.2 million by Milan and within a month had secured a starting position that he has never surrendered. His impact was immediate, scoring 10 goals in 30 matches as Milan won the Serie A title.

It was not long before the world took notice of a superstar in the making and Kaka secured his place as one of the greats during Milan's triumphant 2006-07 Champions League campaign. He finished the tournament as top scorer with 10 goals, including the quarter-final winner against Celtic and three that sunk Manchester United in the semi. In the final against Liverpool Kaka he was again the star of the show as Milan secured a 2-1 victory.

Kaka's Champions League medal has good company in his trophy cabinet. It sits next to the World Cup medal he won with Brazil in 2002, just months after making his international debut. Kaka has become a lynchpin of the Brazil side and in June 2005 he scored in the 4-1 defeat of Argentina in the Confederations Cup final. Kaka has won practically every individual award possible and is arguably the greatest footballer on the planet.

His world record £56 million move to Madrid, which surpasses the £45.6 million they paid for Zinedine Zidane, begins an exciting new chapter for Kaka. He has signed a six-year deal at the Bernabeu, and is likely to become the fans' favourite for many years to come.