Rossoneri Advent Calendar Day 22: Kaka and the Mesmerising Runs

Kaka was a maverick, perhaps one of the finest players to ever wear the red and black shirt. The Brazil international joined AC Milan in 2003 and spent six years with the Rossoneri until a huge move to Real Madrid but returned to Milan for a year in 2013-14. The Ballon d’Or winner guided Milan to their 7th Champions League victory

Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images

Kaka joined Milan and was instrumental for the side in Europe above all else, in his first season at the club he took over for Rui Costa as the attacking midfielder and won a Scudetto. Kaka became a Milan legend for his dominant displays in 2005 and 2007 whereby he was a leader for the squad and a truly consistent attacking powerhouse. Kaka finished as the top scorer in the Champions League in 2006-07 underlining his critical role for the squad in winning the competition and scored at vital points in the knockouts against Celtic and Manchester United as well as assisting Filippo Inzaghi for the winner in the final. Kaka was mesmerising to watch when he had the ball and was running at defenders, his ability to predict tackles and moves was unbelievable but most impressive feature was his finesse with with finishing always managing to slyly beat the keeper.

Achievements with Milan

• Serie A: 2003–04
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
• UEFA Champions League: 2006–07
• UEFA Super Cup: 2007
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

Top Highlight

Kaka was a game changer for Milan but he peaked at the 2007 Champions League where he was in a league of his own. One of his best highlights was against Manchester United in the semi finals at the Old Trafford where he eviscerated the entire defence to the point, two United defenders bumped into each other. The goal was one of many where Kaka took on at least three defenders on his own before slotting past the keeper, his signature for the season. Watch the highlight of his goal here or below.