OneFootball celebrates a quarter-century of football excellence. as we approach January 1, 2025, we unveil our definitive list of the top 25 players of the last 25 years.
Today, we spotlight the player ranked 14th: a true icon of the beatiful game.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka, stands as the last Brazilian maestro to capture the coveted Ballon d’Or. A feat that speaks volumes.
Honed in the youth ranks of São Paulo, the attacking midfielder burst onto the scene during the 2001 Rio-São Paulo tournament. His dazzling displays earned him a coveted spot on Brazil’s squad for the 2002 World Cup, a tournament they triumphantly won in South Korea and Japan.
His transfer to AC Milan (2003-2009) cemented Kaka’s status as a legend,marked by crucial goals and unforgettable performances.
In Lombardy, he secured five titles, establishing himself among the world’s elite.
A move to Real Madrid followed, coinciding with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. While he showcased moments of brilliance in Spain, physical setbacks often hampered his progress.
Kaka’s illustrious career concluded with a return to Milan, followed by a stint in MLS with Orlando City.
Before his professional ascent, a near-tragic accident at age 18 saw Kaka strike his head on the bottom of a swimming pool, narrowly avoiding quadriplegia. he was forced to wear a neck brace for 40 days before resuming his career with São Paulo’s youth teams.
Football ran in the family: his brother Digão had a brief, unremarkable spell with milan, and his cousin Delani played for Botafogo.
Kaka’s Magic on the Pitch
Witness the artistry of Kaka in action…
Our Selection Process: A panel of 38 OneFootball editorial members meticulously crafted their individual top 25 lists of the best players from 2000 to 2025. The top pick received 25 points, the second 24, and so on. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest single ranking prevailed.
📸 Denis Doyle – 2014 Getty Images
Exclusive Interview: Sports Enthusiast Mark Thompson Debates Kaka’s Legacy – Insights & Controversies!
Introduction:
Welcome, sports fans, to yet another intensive dive into the heart of athletic prowess and legacy! Today, we’re dissecting the career of a true footballing magician: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, affectionately known as Kaka. OneFootball recently ranked him as the 14th best player of the last 25 years, and we couldn’t resist delving deeper into that assessment.
To help us navigate this discussion, we have Mark Thompson, a self-confessed football fanatic who lives and breathes the lovely game. Mark has followed European football religiously since the late 90s, knows the stats inside and out, and isn’t afraid to voice his opinions. Welcome, Mark!
Mark Thompson’s Background:
Mark Thompson isn’t just your average armchair enthusiast.He’s a sports historian in his own right. He’s been running a popular football blog for the last decade, analyzing tactics, player performance, and the evolution of the game. He’s even accurately predicted several major upsets in the Champions League, showcasing his rare insight into the sport. He claims to have watched EVERY single Champion’s League game as 1999.
The Current Relevance:
With the summer transfer window heating up and clubs vying for top talent, reflecting on Kaka’s impact on the transfer market and his overall influence on attacking midfielders feels notably relevant. Moreover, as young players emerge aiming to emulate past greats, Kaka’s blend of athleticism, vision, and goal-scoring ability serves as a compelling blueprint.
The Interview:
Moderator: Mark, welcome! Let’s jump straight in. onefootball ranked Kaka as the 14th best player of the last 25 years. What’s your initial reaction? Is that too high,too low,or just right?
Mark Thompson: Thanks for having me! Honestly,14th feels a tad generous. Don’t get me wrong,Kaka at his peak was absolutely breathtaking. That 2007 Ballon d’Or was thoroughly deserved. But when you consider the longevity and sustained dominance of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, even Zlatan Ibrahimović, I struggle to place Kaka ahead of them. He had maybe three, perhaps four, truly world-class seasons. Others have strung together a decade of excellence.
Moderator: I here you. The longevity point is critical. But let’s drill down into those peak years. That 2006-2007 Champions League campaign with AC Milan was phenomenal. He was virtually unplayable. Do those moments of sheer brilliance elevate him despite the relative brevity?
Mark Thompson: Absolutely. Those moments are ingrained in every football fan’s memory. The way he tore Manchester United apart in the semi-final… sheer artistry. That’s the thing about Kaka. He wasn’t just scoring goals; he was scoring iconic goals. He moved with such elegance and power. Though, considering the competition for the top 10, can one CL title really take him there?
Moderator: A fair point. Now, let’s talk about his move to Real Madrid. Many consider it a disappointment.was it simply the wrong fit, or did injuries prematurely derail his career?
Mark Thompson: I think it was a combination of factors. Firstly, he arrived in the same window as Cristiano Ronaldo. Suddenly, he wasn’t the undisputed star anymore. Secondly,José mourinho’s tactical approach at Real Madrid in those years didn’t necessarily cater to Kaka’s strengths. Mourinho favored a more direct, counter-attacking style.Kaka thrived in a system where he had the freedom to roam and create. But the injuries, without a doubt, played a meaningful role. He was never quite the same player after those setbacks.
Moderator: That’s captivating. Some argue that Mourinho never truly understood how to utilize creative midfielders like Kaka and even later, Juan Mata at Chelsea. Is there a pattern there?
mark Thompson: I think there’s definitely an argument to be made. Mourinho often prioritizes defensive solidity and tactical discipline. Players like Kaka, who rely on instinct and improvisation, can sometimes be perceived as luxuries, especially in high-pressure situations. Look at Kevin De Bruyne’s early struggles at Chelsea under Mourinho. He’s now considered one of the best midfielders in the world. It highlights the importance of the right habitat for certain players to flourish.
Moderator: Let’s talk about the Ballon d’Or. He was the last Brazilian to win it.Dose that achievement carry extra weight, considering the pantheon of Brazilian legends who came before him?
Mark thompson: It does, and it should. Brazil is synonymous with attacking flair and individual brilliance. To be the last Brazilian to lift that trophy is a testament to Kaka’s unique talent. But it’s also a reflection of a changing landscape in Brazilian football. We haven’t seen a truly dominant Brazilian player consistently challenge for the Ballon d’Or as Kaka. Neymar has come close,but even he hasn’t reached the heights many predicted.
Moderator: Do you think the rise of European club football,with its intensive tactical coaching and focus on collective performance,has perhaps stifled the individual expression that was once the hallmark of Brazilian players?
Mark Thompson: I think it’s a factor.The emphasis on tactical structure and defensive responsibility can sometimes limit the creative freedom of attacking players.European football is far more regimented than it used to be. Brazilian players are now often molded into specific roles within a system, rather than being allowed to express themselves freely. Also,they are identified at a young age and are shipped off at 17-18.
moderator: Kaka narrowly avoided quadriplegia at 18.How much does knowing that add another layer to his story?
Mark Thompson: It adds immense weight. To come back after such a near-death experience and achieve what he did is nothing short of miraculous. It speaks volumes about his resilience, determination, and mental fortitude.It makes you appreciate his achievements even more. The fact that he was even able to return to playing football, let alone reach the pinnacle of the sport, is incredible. It’s a reminder that there’s more to sporting success than just talent; it’s about overcoming adversity.
Moderator: Considering all we’ve discussed – the brilliance, the injuries, the Ballon d’Or, the near-tragedy – what’s the one word you would use to describe Kaka’s career?
Mark Thompson: Ephemeral. It was a fleeting period of sheer, unadulterated magic.
Moderator: Ephemeral, indeed.
Audience Engagement:
We’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you describe Kaka’s career? Do you agree with Mark Thompson that 14th is too high? Share your opinions in the comments below! What are your fondest Kaka memories?
