Brazilian star Ricardo "Kaka" Izecson dos Santos Leit announced his official retirement from football this weekend, and he will undoubtedly go into the history books as a legend. Can you guess what some of his most memorable moments are?
Kaka has enjoyed an illustrious career during his time as a professional footballer. Racking up just about every major trophy there is to win, there are no shortages of highlights in the 35-year-old's reel. Here are three memorable ones.
The FIFA World Cup Win
Kaka was just a relatively unknown 20-year-old player based in Brazil when he was drafted into the 2002 World Cup squad for Brazil, though he only played 19 minutes of the tournament, it was still enough to earn him a winner's medal. He has since gone on to make 92 appearances for the national team, scoring 29 goals.
The UEFA Champions League
Considered the midfielder's best ever season, he led AC Milan to European glory. The goal he scored against Manchester United in the semi-final of the tournament is one of his most memorable to date and his celebration in the rain is one of the most iconic images to emerge from modern day football.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or
The 2006/2007 season was the player's defining one. Not only did he become a household name, perhaps even among those who don't watch football, but the 18 goals he scored added to the two cups his side won that year earned the Brazilian a Golden Ball. The significance of Kaka's Ballon d'Or win in is a noteworthy one, not just for the player himself, but for the world of football. This was the last time a player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has won the award.
For those who were too young to remember the Brazilian's exceptional skill, the videos of the player he was during his prime will live on forever.
Check it out!
Which Kaka moment do you think is the most memorable?
