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An Appreciation Thread for my Favourite Brazilian Footballer — Ricardo Kaká.
The Brazil playmaker was recognised as such at the 2007 Ballon d’Or ceremony, beating Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi — two players who would dominate the awards for the next decade — by a huge margin.
The Brazil playmaker was recognised as such at the 2007 Ballon d’Or ceremony, beating Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi — two players who would dominate the awards for the next decade — by a huge margin.
Reaching his peak on the brink of the Messi-Ronaldo era, Kaká occupies a unique place in football history. We shouldn’t forget his phenomenal talent.
For a brief period of time, Kaká was, without doubt, the best footballer in the world.
For a brief period of time, Kaká was, without doubt, the best footballer in the world.
At the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Pelé explained why Kaká’s achievements dwarfed those of Messi & Ronaldo.
“Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four years now,” Pelé said. “He helps out in midfield & he is also a great example off the pitch. He is the complete player.”
“Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four years now,” Pelé said. “He helps out in midfield & he is also a great example off the pitch. He is the complete player.”
Kaká was also something of a dying breed. An all-action No.10, the Brazilian was a central attacking midfielder who consistently scored and provided goals for his team.
Zinedine Zidane called him a “rare piece of talent”.
Zinedine Zidane called him a “rare piece of talent”.
Where goalscoring wide forwards have since dominated the Ballon d’Or, Kaká usually played through the middle, using his pace and skill to move the ball from midfield to attack, usually with the desired consequences.
In reaching the peak of his powers shortly before the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, Kaká can be considered as one of the most unfortunate players- a player that was the best in its category for a fleeting moment but which soon appeared inferior to the competition.
After joining the Spanish giants for £55million in June 2009, a 27-year-old Kaká became the world’s most expensive footballer.
Weeks later, however, Cristiano Ronaldo smashed that record, and the celebrity status of the Portuguese quickly overshadowed that of the Brazilian.
Weeks later, however, Cristiano Ronaldo smashed that record, and the celebrity status of the Portuguese quickly overshadowed that of the Brazilian.
And that seems to be how most people remember Kaká: not so much with boundless reverence — though they surely would if not for the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo — but with the utmost respect and admiration.
Maybe however, Kaká was simply too happy with his lot, too quick to be thankful for everyone and everything, too happy to apply himself on the Madrid training pitch instead of seeking a move that could have revived his career.
"I belong to Jesus" his undershirt famously proclaimed.
One of the greatest players ever to grace this game.
Long live, Kaká
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One of the greatest players ever to grace this game.
Long live, Kaká
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