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Kaká

Kaká, born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, is a Brazilian former professional footballer known for his success as an attacking midfielder.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kaká, born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, is a Brazilian former professional footballer known for his success as an attacking midfielder. He played for São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Orlando City, and was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d’Or in 2007. He retired from professional football in December 2017.

Early life and development

Kaká was born in Brasília on 22 April 1982. He began his professional career with São Paulo in 2001, quickly establishing himself as one of Brazil's most highly regarded attacking midfielders.

Club career

Kaká joined AC Milan in 2003 and won major European honours with the club. He later played for Real Madrid before returning to São Paulo. He finished his playing career at Orlando City in Major League Soccer, retiring in December 2017.

International career

Kaká was a Brazil international and was part of the Brazil National Football Team during the 2000s and 2010s. He was widely recognised for his creativity, pace, and goal-scoring from midfield.

Awards and recognition

His peak individual year came in 2007, when he won both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. These honours placed him among the most decorated footballers of his generation.

Key facts

  • Kaká began his professional career with São Paulo in 2001.
  • He joined AC Milan in 2003 and won major European honours with the club.
  • In 2007, he won both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
  • He later played for Real Madrid and Orlando City.
  • Kaká also represented Brazil at international level.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kaká?
Kaká is the professional name of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, a Brazilian former footballer best known for playing as an attacking midfielder.
Which clubs did Kaká play for?
He played for São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Orlando City, with later spells returning him to São Paulo and AC Milan.
What was Kaká’s biggest individual achievement?
His biggest individual honours were winning the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.
When did Kaká retire?
He retired from professional football in December 2017.
What position did Kaká play?
He was primarily an attacking midfielder.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaka-Brazilian-football-player
    Supports: Birth date and place, full name, career overview, Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, retirement.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kak%C3%A1
    Supports: Professional debut at São Paulo, move to AC Milan in 2003, general career chronology.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/21364/kaka
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, position, club history.
  4. MLSsoccer.com — https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/kaka/
    Supports: Orlando City career, position, birthplace, player profile.
  5. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/kaka/profil/spieler/3366
    Supports: Position, full name, birth date, retirement status, club history.