When we talk about great players in the history of Brazilian soccer, we must mention the name of Kaká. Although there are other figures who may be higher in the perception of the fans, the already retired midfielder was the most outstanding footballer in the world at the time.
On the day of his 41st anniversary (April 22nd), we pay tribute to the former Milan star by remembering the best year of his career. In the 2006-2007 season, Kaká reached his highest level and won all kinds of trophies.
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Kaká’s 2007: Champions League, Ballon d’Or and FIFA award
In 2007, Kaká became the last Ballon d’Or winner prior to the start of the hegemony that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi exercised in subsequent years. It was a special moment for Brazilian football, although it could already be seen coming.
In that season, the midfielder had been the great protagonist of the UEFA Champions League champion Milan. With 10 goals in 13 games, Kaká was the top scorer in the competition, and many of these happened in relevant matches. Having registered four goals in the group stage (including a hat-trick over Anderlecht), the São Paulo-born player made a crucial contribution in the knockout phase.
Not only did he score the winner against Celtic in the round of 16, but he also netted in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich before converting three times in the semi-final series against Manchester United. As if that were not enough, the Brazilian gave an assist in the final vs. Liverpool.
Therefore, Kaká was undoubtedly the player of 2007. Although his subsequent stay at Real Madrid left a lot to be desired, what he did that year in the Rossoneri uniform is impossible to forget. After all, he is the last Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or and the fourth to do so alongside Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
