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Joshy Joseph looks at one of the world's highest-paid footballers.

Ricardo
KAKA

RICARDO IZECSON DOS SANTOS LEITE
Nickname: Kaka
Date of birth: April 22, 1982
Place of birth: Brazil
Weight: 73 kg
Height: 183 cm
Marital status: Married to Caroline Celico (December 23, 2005)
Favourite actors: Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks
Favourite book: The Bible
Favourite drink: Water
Favourite music: Gospel

Kaká or Ricky Kaka, is a Brazilian mid-fielder appearing for Brazil and Serie A club A.C. Milan. He was the recipient of both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007, and was named in the 2008 TIME 100.

As of February 2009, Kaká along with Internazionale's Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the highest salaried football players in the world.



He got his nickname "Kaká" from his little brother Rodrigo who could not pronounce "Ricardo" when they were young. Rodrigo called his older brother "Caca" which Ricardo later changed to "Kaká"

Kaka risked his life when a bad jump off a diving-board caused a fracture of a vertebra. This could have meant the end of his football career but he believes Jesus helped him to recover and become the star footballer he now is. For this reason, every time he scores he points his fingers to the sky in thanksgiving.

CLUB INFO
Currently with: AC Milan
Number: 22
Position: Attacking midfielder
His greatest goal is considered to be the one he scored against Fenerbahçe SK in AC Milan's first game in the 2005/2006 Champions League, won 3-1 by the Rossoneri. Kakŕ started his run from midfield and skipped past three tackles before entering the penalty area and finishing with a low shot under the goal-keeper.

  • The Ballon d’Or, also referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award, is an annual association football award.

  • The FIFA World Player of the Year is an Association football award given annually to the male and female players who are thought to be the best in the world, based on votes by coaches and captains of international teams.

  • The Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world compiled by Time magazine. The list has developed into an annual event.
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