Career Highlights

2007
FIFA Player of Year
1.86m
Height (6'1")
#22
Jersey Number
Midfielder
Position

Complete Profile

Full Name Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
Also Known As Kaká
Born April 22, 1982 in Brasília, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Sport Football (Soccer)
Position Attacking Midfielder
Jersey Number 22
Clubs São Paulo (2001–2003)
AC Milan (2003–2009)
Real Madrid (2009-2013)
AC Milan (2013-2014)
Orlando City SC (2014-2017), including a Short return to Sao Paolo in 2014 before retirement in 2017
Family Parents: Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite and Simone Cristina Santos Leite
Married: Caroline Celico (December 23, 2005)
Children: Luca Celico Leite (born 2008)
Major Achievement FIFA Player of the Year 2007

Biography

Kaká is a champion Brazilian soccer player who achieved legendary status during his career with São Paulo, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. He became one of the most celebrated attacking midfielders of his generation.

His career highlights include winning the prestigious FIFA Player of the Year award in 2007, during his peak years with AC Milan. Standing at 1.86 meters (6 feet 1 inch), Kaká combined technical skill, vision, and athleticism to dominate the midfield throughout his career.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Kaká, whose real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, was born in Brasília, Brazil, on April 22, 1982.  Born into a middle-class family, Kaká's path to football glory started early when he enrolled in São Paulo FC's youth program.  He immediately distinguished himself from his contemporaries with his technical skill, poise with the ball, and innate flare.

Kaká had a serious spinal injury as a youth that might have terminated his career, but he miraculously recovered, a miracle he frequently credited to his faith in God.  His 2001 professional debut for São Paulo revealed a player with great potential who combined style, intelligence, and goal-scoring ability.

European Success with AC Milan

A golden age of Kaká's career began in 2003 when he moved to AC Milan. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, he thrived as an attacking midfielder with a reputation for precision finishing, visionary passing, and strong runs.  He played a key role in Milan's triumph, leading the team to the 2007 UEFA Champions League title, where he was the tournament's top scorer.

That same year, Kaka got his distinction as the greatest player in the world,  cemented with the award of the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

Real Madrid and Later Career

Kaká joined Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-record €68.5 million, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as a member of the team's new "Galácticos" era.  Despite having numerous injuries while in Spain, he managed to contribute crucial goals and assists that helped Madrid win both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Later, he briefly rejoined AC Milan before joining Major League Soccer's Orlando City SC, where he rose to prominence as one of the league's most recognizable players.  His later years in football were characterized by his professionalism, leadership, and impact on the global growth of the game rather than by trophies.

Interesting Facts About Kaká

The Nickname Origin

His nickname "Kaká" comes from his younger brother Digão calling him "Caca" due to his inability to pronounce "Ricardo" when they were young. The name stuck and became his professional identity.

Early Start

Kaká began his career with São Paulo at the remarkably young age of eight, showing exceptional talent from childhood that would later make him a world-class player.

Football Family

His younger brother Rodrigo (known as Digão) and cousin Eduardo Delani are also professional footballers, making soccer a true family affair.

Faith and Values

Kaká is known for being very religious. His favorite music is gospel and his favorite book is the Bible, values that have guided him throughout his career.

Portuguese Name

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite follows Portuguese naming conventions where the first family name is "Santos" and the second is "Leite."