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 both Brazil and Milan, 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.
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.
Born22 Apr 1982
Place Of BirthBrasília, Brazil
Height1.86 m (6' 1'')
PositionAttacking Midfielder
ClubsSao Paulo FC, AC Milan
CountryBrazil
Major Club HonoursSao Paulo: Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo, 2001
Supercampeonato Paulista, 2002
AC Milan: Italian Super Cup, 2004
UEFA Champions League, 2007
UEFA Super Cup, 2003, 2007
Club World Cup, 2007
Major International HonoursWorld Cup winner, 2002
Confederations Cup, 2005