The Perfect Life of Football Star Ricardo Kaka
![The Perfect Life of Football Star Ricardo Kaka](https://sport.seatoday.com/images/20240416173427_original_42.webp )
SEAToday.com, Jakarta-Caroline Celico's reason for divorcing world-famous footballer Ricardo Kaka shook the internet, as she divorced her husband for being "too perfect".
Kaka never hurt or betrayed her. Apparently, Kaka's perfection, which should have been an advantage, became the very reason he failed in his love life. So, how perfect is the life of Kaka?
Brazilians often see football as a way to escape poverty, as seen in many great footballers that come from it. They use poverty to fuel their competition as professional players. Take for example Rivaldo and Romario.
However, that perception doesn't apply to Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Kaka). The man, born April 22, 1982, doesn't fulfill the stigma of a common Brazilian footballer. He wasn't born into poverty or any difficult circumstances.
He came from a religious middle class family in Brazil. Kaka's family let him chose his career. He was supported to pursue football as a hobby rather than career.
Kaka's skill in football changed everything. Success was in the palm of his hands and his family fully supported him.
Kaka managed to get into the club Sao Paolo and the Brazilian national team that won the 2002 World Cup. Despite not playing an important role in the victory, Kaka's talent drew the attention of many.
European clubs started eyeing him. He eventually chose Italian League's AC Milan.
In 2003, Kaka became a great playmaker. Every goal he scored was followed with a gesture to thank the Good Man Above.
That celebration proved Kaka to be a religious man. When he received a hefty sum of salary, he spent his money to give back to the church and fund his siblings rather than useless things.
Kaka preferred to read the Bible and listen to gospel. Kaka's religiousness was also shown on the field. He played football as a form of celebration for the health that the Lord gave him.
"On the field, he played with grace. He rarely protested the referee. Every time he scored a goal, he would lift his hands to the sky or take off his shirt to reveal praises to the Lord, one of which being: "I belong to Jesus" when Milan won the Champions League two seasons ago. Kaka's life was in line with what the Lord wanted. For him, performing as best as he could was a form of gratitude toward the Lord," said Irfan Budiman in a Tempo article titled "Manusia 987 Miliar", June 15, 2009.
The Perfect Kaka
Kaka's career as a world-class footballer skyrocketed. Carlo Ancelotti's coaching became vital. Kaka shone bright in 2004-2007, bringing AC Milan to triumph in the Italian League and the Champions League (2006-2007).
Kaka's greatness was rewarded with a number of world-class individual award, including The Best FIFA Men's Player and Ballon d'Or. Kaka received many praises and garnered fans from all over the world. Eventually, he was asked to play for Real Madrid.
"Kaká is probably the most coveted player on earth right now. Real Madrid's president, Ramón Calderón, sees himself as the biggest shopper around, and thus he reaches for the stars." said Rob Hughes in his New York Times article titled "Soccer: A Happy Few in the Rich Man's Game", July 31, 2007.
Kaka signed with Real Madrid in 2009. At that time, his name was listed in the second Los Galacticos project, which sees the acquisition of the world's expensive players. He came with Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka tried his best to show everyone his potential.
However, he started to get injured often and eventually found himself benched more. He tried to prove himself as the best, but it was hard.
He took a difficult decision and moved back to AC Milan in 2013. He moved again to Orlando City in 2014, dimming the spotlight on his name. He also got divorced with Celico in 2015.
Through these troubling times, he remained strong. AC Milan and Sao Paolo continued expressing their desire to have Kaka.
Kaka eventually retired on December 17, 2017, at 35 years old. He thanked the Lord for his career in football which led him to the highest achievement in that field.
Kaka had no regrets leaving football. He closed his career as a player, saying: "In Jesus' name, amen."
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