A trophy made for him
The Early Years
[photo=minkaka3.jpg id=253 align=right]Like many great Brazilian players Kaká is simply known by his nickname. Few would know him by his real name; Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. His nickname was born from younger brother Rodrigo calling him “Caca" due to his inability to pronounce “Ricardo" when they were young; it eventually evolved into Kaká. At the age of eighteen, Kaká suffered a career-threatening and possibly paralysis-inducing spinal fracture as a result of a swimming pool accident, but remarkably made a full recovery. He attributes his recovery to his faith. Now Kaká splits his time between the church and the pitch. He is often seen pointing to the sky paying his thanks to God after scoring a goal.
A player of every position
At only 26-years old – Ricky as he"s known by his friends – is faultless in his game. His vision allows him to be a creator, his eye for goal gives him the belief to be a fabulous goal scorer, with a ball at his feet he is a genius. It"s simple, he can hold each position, he often covers the entire pitch during the match. We see him helping in defence, jumping in to tackle with both feet and providing decisive assists. Sprinter, he is a winger that cannot be stopped other than by an unlawful tackle. Agile, he often opens the way to break through even the most tough defence. Shooting a sports advert we saw him juggling two balls at once. He was born a technician, it is innate, and he was not born by chance in Brazil.
The perfect athlete
[photo=minkaka2.jpg id=253 align=left]If he is part of the ‘Athletes of God", Kaká is first and foremost an athlete. His physical qualities are amazing. He runs with style, chest out, legs well inline with a high pace. A perfect body for sport, we could well imagine him running in a 100m race. His size (1.84 m) gives him a respectable height; his powerful strike allows him to try shooting from a distance. He has managed to melt into European football, while keeping all Brazilian finesse. This is the perfect football player. He knows how to run with the ball and run as fast as he can before applying the brakes as he moves inside. A creator as much as a finisher. Often seen sacrificing a personal chance for the good of the team. His game is total football with all the elegance of a Cruyff.
An mixture of styles
[photo=minkaka1.jpg id=253 align=right]It is an honour for us to open the history of the Samba Gold with Kaka"s victory. Already crowned champion everywhere, by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the Ballon d"or of France Football, a Bola de Ouro of Placar, by FIFA. Voted best player of Brazil, Italy"s best foreign player, the best in the world … The only one missing was to be voted Best Brazilian Player in Europe, an award he really deserves since there is so much Brazil and Europe in him. He could be ambassador of both continents as he is the amalgamation of two styles.
What makes this player such perfect balance is not an accident. Beyond his player qualities, the man is great. Kaká answers the critics of South Americans in Europe, often pictured as party boys on the beach and seen around beautiful girls. He is a serious professional, applied, respectful, faithful, an angel-faced. His religious values are as solid as rock. A perfect player, loving husband, ideal father … but with a ball he is a God!
2008 Samba Gold results:
1. Kaká (AC Milan) – 25,03%
2. Robinho (Manchester City) – 14,34%
3. Luis Fabiano (FC Sevilla) – 13,65%
[photo=minsambador.jpg id=253 align=left]
The Samba Gold trophy was designed by Gérard Brand, an famous artist from Obernai in France. Immediately attracted by the symbol of the trophy, the artist wanted to highlight the friendship between Brazil and Europe – then these two hands joined together – the title of the best Brazilian player in Europe. The words ‘Samba de Ouro" or ‘Samba Gold “also attracted the interest of the artist, who opted for modeling a ball coated with gold. The award will be delivered in the hands of Kaká January this month in Milan.
