Born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite in Brasilia on 22 April 1982, Kaka exploded on to the scene with Sao Paulo in 2001 before moving to AC Milan two years later. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, he has lost none of his renowned humility or generosity. If anything, it is the contrary. A proud Christian with a deep love for the gospel, Kaka is a long-time member of the Athletes For Christ organisation and was named as an Ambassador Against Hunger by the United Nations World Food Programme in 2004.

Direct and ruthlessly effective when he chooses to be, Kaka can also turn on the style and dribble with the best of them. In his time at Milan, he has grown into an assured playmaker capable of turning a game in the blink of an eye. He is adept at coming off the bench and making an instant impact, as he has shown for Brazil on numerous occasions in the qualifiers for Germany 2006. And do not be fooled by his slim build and baby face. The 23-year-old is a past master at using his body effectively and is not one to shirk a tackle even when facing stronger opponents.

Though not yet a guaranteed starter in the Seleção, Kaka is a mainstay in the squad and, in the eyes of the Brazilian media, the player most likely to pull the strings for the Verdeamarelha in the years to come. He made his full debut on 31 January 2002 in a friendly against Bolivia. Prior to that, he had played for the country's U-20 side at the FIFA World Youth Championship Argentina 2001, scoring the winning goal against Australia in the second round.

Then, at the age of 20, Kaka had the privilege of being part of the Brazilian squad that became world champions for the fifth time at Korea/Japan 2002. Although his playing time was limited to just 19 minutes in a 5-2 win over Costa Rica, he is still grateful to have been there. "How many players wait their whole lives for a chance to take part in the World Cup and never make it? Not only did I go to one and play, I also came back as world champion," he said with a maturity beyond his years.

It is the same maturity he has shown ever since he made his first division debut with Sao Paulo in 2001, when he helped the club to victory in the Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament with 12 goals in 27 games. In 2002, he was voted Brazil's top player, an accolade that put him firmly in the sights of Europe's top clubs. Milan won the ensuing race for his signature in 2003, and he wasted no time in repaying the faith in him with an assured performance in Milan's UEFA Super Cup triumph that same year. On arriving in Europe, Kaka promised to "combine Brazilian fantasy with the tactical discipline of the Calcio". So far, he has more than kept his word.

Courtesy of the Fifa Website

Full Name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite       Nickname: Kaká
Birth Date: 22 April 1982 / Height: 183 cm / Weight: 73 kg
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Preferred Foot : Right
Current Club: AC Milan (ITA)
Previous Clubs : Sao Paolo (BRA)
Father: Forest Izecson Pereira Leite - (Civil Engineer)
Mother: Simone Cristina dos Santos Leite - (Teacher)
Brother: Rodrigo Izecson dos Santos Leite - (Football Player for Serie B team Rimini)
Wife: Caroline Celico
Religion : Evangelist
Preferred Book: The Bible
Preferred Drink: Water
Does not appeal to to him: Drugs and Discotheques
In a crisis he : Prays
Quote : "I can do all things through Christ who lives in me"
Particular interests: Enjoys tennis, watching films and playing videogames
Favorite Actors : Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks
In his free time: Spends it with family, friends, goes to church, hangs out with his brother (Rodrigo)
Preferred music: Gospel
Int'l Goals: 11 (as of 29 June 2005)
Int'l Caps: 32 (as of 29 June 2005)
First Int'l Cap: Brazil vs Bolivia (2002-01-31)
First World Cup goal : Brazil VS Croatia (13 June 2006)
Did you know?
A fan proposed to him once but he had to reject her!
He got his nickname "Kaká" because his little brother Rodrigo could not pronounce the word Ricardo when they were young. Rodrigo called his older brother "Caca" which Ricardo later changed to "Kaká".
Ricky risked his life by badly jumping off a diving-board which caused him the fracture of a vertebra. This could have meant the end of his football career but he believes Jesus allowed 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 as a sign of thanks.
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. Kakà started his run from midfield and skipped past three tackles before entering the area and finishing with a low shot under the goal-keeper.
Kaka proposed to Carol on the day before his birthday in Venice, Italy - in a restaurant!.

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