Today is former Milan playmaker Kaka’s 40th birthday, making it the perfect time to look back at some of his unforgettable Rossoneri memories.
The Brazilian spent seven years in total with the Milanese club, from 2003 to 2009 and the 2013-14 season, making 307 appearances across all competitions. In that time, he scored 104 goals and became a fan favourite, known for his incredible technical ability and passing vision.
1 – The arrival
In the summer of 2003, a 21-year-old Kaka joined Milan in a deal worth €8.5m total, a price which Silvio Berlusconi later called “peanuts”. He started the Rossoneri’s first game of the season against Ancona and quickly became a first team regular, impressing many.
2 – A taste of silver
The Brazilian playmaker hit the ground running in Lombardy and became irreplaceable as the season progressed. His and Milan’s strong performances that season saw them picked up another Scudetto, securing the then 22-year-old’s first major trophy.
In his first season in Italy, Kaka scored 14 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League quarter-finals.
3 – European glory
After a horrific night in Istanbul, Kaka finally tasted European success in 2007. The Brazilian was an instrumental part of the Milan side that stormed to the final that season, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances along the way, and he provided an assist in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in the final.
Kaka was already a household name by this point and the Champions League victory secured his spot in the history books.
4 – Ballon d’Or recognition
On December 2 2007, Kaka won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player awards, only a few weeks before he helped Milan win the FIFA Club World Cup.
Interestingly, the playmaker was the last person to win the award before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s era of domination, until Luka Modric broke this in 2018.
5 – Denying the temptations of City
January 2009, Kaka was incredibly close to joining a newly-enriched Manchester City side, who had offered Milan around €100-120m for the Brazilian star. They agreed to this and a deal seemed to be all but confirmed.
Kaka famously rejected the offer and refused the move, staying with Milan for another six months before leaving for Real Madrid in the summer.
The last superhero before Messi and Ronaldo took over. I can’t help but wonder what would’ve been if he didn’t move to Madrid because as soon as he went there he became hampered by injury. A resolute professional, a natural athlete, humble man and a dream to watch. SIAM VENUTI FIN QUA PER VEDERE SEGNARE KAKA
He is what made an Italian American teen in the USA start following Calcio anyway I could.
The goal against Man Utd was great – at a time when United were in their pomp and Milan and Kaka swatted them aside in Europe. Unfortunately, with Serie A, we only have nostalgia these days
I’d have definitely included his performance in the derby when Milan came from 2 down to win 3-2, in the scudetto winning season. Second half performance was just incredible. Scared the living daylights out of Inter. Couldn’t get near him. And his goal for 2-2 was just Kaka personified. Slalom run and beautiful drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.