In a galaxy of stars set to illuminate this year’s Fifa Confederations Cup in South Africa, Brazil’s Kaka probably shines the brightest.
The man
Real name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
Nickname: Kaka
Date of birth: April 22 1982
Nationality: Brazilian
Place of birth: Brasilia, Brazil
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Previous club: Sao Paulo (Brazil)
National team appearances: 63 caps (23 goals)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Number: 22
National team achievements: World Cup 2002, Confederations Cup 2005
Personal achievements: Fifa World Footballer of the year 2007
He is backed by a formidable side whose insatiable hunger for glory has seen the South American nation lifting the World Cup a record five times and the AC Milan attacking midfielder will no doubt spearhead the Samba Kings’ quest for a third Confederations Cup title. Brazil won in 1997 and thrashed Argentina 4-1 in the 2005 final, which makes them the reigning champions.
Kaka is arguably the most-talked-about footballer coming to South Africa. This is not only because he is a charismatic and talented footballer, but because he is the most sought-after player in the world. His on-the-pitch feats have made him the player to watch, while his noble off-the-pitch activities make him a man with a big heart. With stars in their eyes, some players often succumb to footballing pressures, which affect their game. But the deeply religious Kaka is known to dazzle and, given the stage, will undoubtedly turn on his magic next month.
Kaka was earlier this year linked to English Premier League big spenders Manchester City, whose bid failed to secure his services at a staggering £110-million. City had also pledged an audacious £500 000 weekly salary, which the player graciously turned down. Then there was speculation of him joining City’s rivals Manchester United, but once again he refused to auction his talents to the highest bidder. Real Madrid are the latest big spenders to try lure the player.
If anyone can, Real can. Former president Florentino Perez is set for a second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. Why is this important to note, one might ask. The answer is that Perez is obsessed with star players and was behind the signing of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Brazil’s Ronaldo. Will he attempt securing Kaka’s services? Well, indications are that he is keen on signing both Kaka and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo — a sign of a possible return to the ”Galactico” era.
But Kaka’s loyalty to the Rossoneri has remained intact, having joined the club in 2003, and a contract binding him to AC Milan until 2013 could see Milan ask for a bid bigger than £110-million.
Kaka’s, unlike most of his compatriots who had to rise above the adversities of growing up in Rio and Sao Paulo’s dingy favelas, is not a rags-to-riches story, thanks to a his wealthy parents. But his is a story of an undying passion for the game, coupled with a talent for scoring goals and a knack to win, no matter what.
But this does not make Kaka the best player to emanate from Brazil. Brazil has produced some of the most exciting attacking midfielders and strikers the world has seen. Who can forget the midfield magic and mastery of brothers Socrates and Rai, the pace and goal-scoring ability of Zico and Careca, or even still, the recent exploits of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in European leagues? But by far the most revered name in the game is Pele, who coined the expression ”the world’s most beautiful game” in reference to football. But that was then.
In less than 10 years of plying his trade in one of the most elite football leagues of the world, Kaka has won just about everything. This feat has not required him to club-hop for glory, as most of his club-level achievements happened at AC Milan and with the Brazilian national team. He is an accomplished footballer, having won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, the Confederations Cup in 2005 and topped it all when he was crowned the best footballer in the world in 2007. But he is yet to shine in the gold and blue of the Samba Kings.
Next month Kaka and Brazil face world champions Italy, Egypt and the United States in Group B. But clearly the most anticipated match in the group will be between the two most successful nations at World Cup level, Brazil and Italy. It is no wonder that it has already been sold out.
Judging from Kaka’s success in the Serie A and Brazil’s array of stars, one cannot help but predict a Brazil triumph. And, for the fans, this is the final, which the French denied the world three years ago in Berlin.