A legend of AC Milan, today we look back on the top 5 goals from the career of Kaka.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka, was one of the best footballers on the planet during the 2000s. Throughout his time with AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando, and Sao Paolo, Kaka earned a haul of individual and team accolades.
But no period of his career was more successful than with Milan. He won a Scudetto in his first season with the Rossoneri, and quickly established himself as a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
This culminated in a dominant run to Champions League glory in 2006/07, where Kaka was Milan’s standout player. His incredible performances that year earned the Brazilian the 2007 Ballon d’Or.
Internationally, Kaka was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup. He also played a large part in their 2005 and 2009 Confederations Cup successes.
The midfield magician finished his career with 161 club goals, plus 29 for his country. However, we have narrowed these down to just his top five.
#5: vs Croatia, 2006 World Cup
Coming in at number 5 on the top goals from Kaka is a beauty from his days with “Selecao”. The Brazilian proved the difference maker in a 2006 group-stage clash with Croatia.
Kaka picked up the ball well outside the box with options around him. Many may have opted to keep the ball moving – but not this attacking midfielder at the peak of his powers.
Instead, Kaka produced a fantastic curling effort with his weaker left foot. The short arched into the top-left corner, giving Brazil a decisive 1-0 victory in Berlin.
Unfortunately, though, this Brazil team could not retain their 2002 title. Selecao lost to eventual finalists France in a legendary quarter-final match-up, bringing hopes of a sixth World Cup to an end.
#4: vs Club Brugge, 2003/04 Champions League
So, the Champions League only voted this as the ninth-best goal from Kaka – but we think it deserves a top 5 spot on his goals list.
The combination of technique, timing, and power on display is just sublime.
A Cafu cross from the right-hand side picked out Kaka in space on the edge of the box. Without hesitation, the Brazilian met his compatriot’s pass on the volley with the side of his foot.
Kaka caught this wonderfully, and his volley flew into the back of the net. Like the previous goal on this list, the maestro was the hero thanks to his effort. This goal sealed a 1-0 win over Club Brugge after a tough Champions League group-stage game.
#3: vs APOEL Nicosia, 2011/12 Champions League
Kaka brought APOEL Nicosia’s dream run to the Champions League quarter-final to a devastating end with one of his top 5 goals.
Real Madrid dismantled the Cypriot side over the two legs, with Kaka scoring in both. However, the Brazilian’s strike at the Bernabeu certainly stands out.
The Los Blancos No.8 picked up the ball outside the left corner of the box. He then whipped a curling, dipping shot toward the opposite top corner, the ball zipping into the net. It was a truly spectacular goal and one that gave Madrid a two-goal cushion on the night.
Kaka went on to add an assist later in the game as Real routed APOEL 5-2.
#2: vs Manchester United, 2006/07 Champions League semi-final 1st leg
Prime Kaka was way too much for Manchester United to handle during their 2006/07 Champions League semi-final tie. The Ballon d’Or winner torched the Red Devils – scoring an all-time goal in the process.
Kaka chased a long, hopeful ball up-field which confused the United defenders. The Brazilian maintained this aggression by shrugging off Darren Fletcher, then flicking the ball past Gabriel Heinze.
The AC Milan star’s determination allowed him to just get the ball between Heinze and Evra. This caused a rather calamitous crash between the two United defenders – which was pretty funny.
All that was left was a one-on-one with Edwin van der Sar, where you know Kaka took care of business.
This instant classic of a goal put Milan ahead of the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Although they would lose 3-2 in Manchester, the Rossoneri won 3-0 back home to advance to the Final.
#1: vs Fenerbahce, 2005/06 Champions League
A marauding run of power and poise lands in the top spot on our 5 greatest goals from Kaka.
During a 2005/06 Champions League group game, the Milan midfielder single-handedly destroyed the Fenerbahce defence.
Picking up the ball just inside the opponent’s half, Kaka quickly shrugged off a defender. He breezed past another with ease shortly after via some nifty footwork.
Now in full flight, the Brazilian sidestepped another effort to thwart his brilliant run. Kaka then drilled a shot underneath the onrushing goalie to complete a superb solo run and goal.
When running with the ball, the Brazilian was poetry in motion; this particular strike against Fenerbahce proves it better than any. And that is why it is number one in the top 5 goals from Kaka.
Featured image credit: Getty
