Brazilian icon Kaka turns 39 today – and to honour his birthday, we’ve picked out five of his greatest moments on a football pitch.
The one-time Ballon D’Or winner was one of the best players on the planet throughout the latter half of the 2000s, and his performances lit up the biggest stages across the world.
Whilst with AC Milan, Kaka lifted the Champions League trophy and helped his side to win the Serie A title in 2004. He was named in the UEFA Team of the Year three times between 2006 and 2009.
On the international stage, the 39-year-old was part of two winning Confederations Cup squads, and appeared at three World Cups, including the 2002 edition which Brazil won.
He left Italy to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, and despite suffering with injuries, still provided us with plenty of examples of his immense talents.
Let’s take a look at his five of his greatest moments:
Confederations Cup impact (2005)
Today is Kaká's 38th birthday ???
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) April 22, 2020
As a kid, he was the enemy because we could NEVER beat him. I remember THREE traumatically elite Kaká performances against my beloved teams that really magnified his greatness.
1) vs Argentina 2005 Confederations Cup Final. He balled. pic.twitter.com/OtzKEXWqAf
Brazil v Argentina. The Confederations Cup final. The stage was set for something special to happen.
And it certainly did. Shortly Adriano gave Brazil the lead on 11 minutes, Kaka received the ball on the edge of the area.
After a drag back and a swift follow through, the ball had arrowed into the top corner.
Brazil would go on to win the game 4-1, and lift the Confederations Cup.
Exquisite assist on the European stage (2005)
May 25, 2005 is a night remembered by Milan fans for all the wrong reasons.
They were on the opposite end of the ‘Miracle of Istanbul‘ against Liverpool – one of the most famous European nights in football history.
At half-time, it was all going to plan for Milan. They led 3-0 thanks to Paolo Maldini’s header and two goals from Hernan Crespo.
Kaka played his part in all three goals, but it is his pass for Crespo’s second strike that is most fondly remembered.
Firstly, he received the ball in his own half before turning beyond Steven Gerrard. Then he unleashed an inch-perfect, defence splitting through ball to Crespo, who finished the chance with precision.
Wonder goal against Manchester United (2007)
Kaka was arguably at the peak of his powers in 2007.
Milan won three trophies that season – including the Champions League – and the Brazilian won the Ballon D’Or for the first and only time in his career.
One of their toughest tests on the route to Champions League glory was a semi-final clash with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. Kaka didn’t disappoint in the first leg.
Although Milan lost the game 3-2, the midfielder scored two goals, including one of the finest individual goals you’ll ever see.
Starting on the left flank, he brushed Darren Fletcher aside before flicking the ball over the head of Gabriel Heinze. Then, he headed the ball between Heinze and the onrushing Patrice Evra, before calmly slotting the ball beyond Edwin van der Sar. Exquisite.
Brazil’s leading Champions League scorer (2012)
Kaka produced yet another memorable moment in 2012, when he became Brazil’s leading Champions League goalscorer.
His strike in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Ajax moved him on to 28 goals, beating the record set by Barcelona icon Rivaldo.
Neymar has since gone beyond that record, however it was a proud night for Kaka.
First Serie A goal back at Milan (2013)
After leaving Real Madrid in 2013, Kaka returned to Milan on a two-year contract.
He suffered an injury in his first competitive match, meaning Milan fans had to wait patiently for their icon to score his first goal since his return. When he did, it was worth the wait.
With Milan’s clash with Lazio locked at 0-0, Kaka produced a piece of magic.
Receiving the ball from Mario Balotelli on the edge of the box, the Brazilian let the ball run across him before striking a powerful right-footed effort into the top corner. Unstoppable.
Featured Image Credit: Getty