Kaká – The Champions League miracle man

The words ‘Jesus in first place’ are inscribed on the side of his Adidas boots. Having miraculously battled a career threatening, and possibly paralysis-inducing, spinal fracture at a young age, he devoted his life to God. Kaka is the good boy of the game, and one of the best attacking midfielders of this generation.

After the departure of Europe’s most feared striker, Shevchenko, to the West London giants Chelsea, Kaká took on the mantle of leading the Rossoneri attack. In the 06/07 Champions League campaign, he scored 10 goals. United supporters will remember the pasting doled out to their team by Milan, or to be more precise, by Kaká that year. It was the Champions League semi-finals. The first leg ended 3-2 in United’s favor but with Milan getting 2 crucial goals. Both goals came from Kaká, who took advantage of Evra’s blunder. Milan were not distraught by the loss as they had gotten two away goals and Kaká was in unreal form.

In the return leg at San Siro, the Red Devils of Italy trampled over Manchester United with a resounding 3-0 win. Neither Vidic nor Van Der Sar could handle Kaká that night. A thunderous rainy night added to the intimidating atmosphere at the San Siro cauldron. Kaká taught the Red Devils a lesson in quality football that night. He was everywhere. Neither Brown, Heinze or Carrick could touch him. There is a reason why Kaká is a Champions League specialist. His spellbinding performance against Ajax this season made him the top Brazilian goal scorer in the Champions League. A magical night for him and the Los Blancos.

Sadly, his Real Madrid career did not take off in full flight as expected, due to injuries. He’s been benched and altogether dropped out of the squad for many games by Jose Mourinho. Yet Kaká says, “I am much better now and the best of the season is yet to come. If the mister needs me, I’ll be there. I am improving and I think things are too. I am happy to help the team. In football things change quickly.” Not a grumble, no ego and certainly no hard feelings – says a lot about the man. Fingers have also been pointed at Mourinho and Real Madrid for treating Kaká this way. I may sound prejudiced toward the Special One, but Jose has a plan. He always has a plan for every player under him.

I have heard many football fans say that Kaká is not the player he was. I would like to cut him some slack. He is on the wrong side of 30. He’s been sidelined for months, and yet, when he comes on he leaves an impact. Yes his glory days of Milan are behind him. There is no denying that. But if you see his recent performances, especially the one against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor, he showed glimpses of his old self. A beautiful goal which brought Madrid level and set the show running. In spite of being a CAM, he is still considered one of the best finishers around, and although Özil has shown more creativity over the past 2-3 seasons, it is Kaká who breaks the bus with those sweetly timed goals from midfield.

Many may disagree, but there’s still a big game left in Kaká. If given a chance by the Special One, he can create magic as a sub and prove to be a decisive game changer in the upcoming clash at Old Trafford. Both teams go into the tie with scores level, but United have the away goal advantage. If Kaká does take to the pitch on March 5th, memories of that fateful night in Milan will surely flash in the minds of United fans. Kaká will remember his feats against Manchester United all too well and will certainly be hoping to have a crack in this clash. A peach of a ball, his brilliant Marseille turn or maybe a sweet finish – who knows? In the 40 odd games where Kaká has scored or assisted, all 40 have been won by Real Madrid. I am not surprised. Why? For this lad truly does belong to Jesus.