A tribute worthy of a legend

Yesterday (31 October), ahead of the Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter at San Siro, Kaká was honoured with his induction into the AC Milan Hall of Fame.

Honoured on the pitch before the kick-off, the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner received a standing ovation from over 70,000 fans at the iconic Italian stadium.

The former midfielder, now 44, could barely contain his emotion: “It’s very difficult to put into words how I feel when I’m here at San Siro, alongside all the Milan fans. It’s a special day for me.” (DAZN)

The tribute seemed to bring the ‘Rossoneri’ luck, as they won the match 3–1. The derby, one of the most iconic in football history, was also the setting for Kaká’s first goal for the club, on 5 October 2003.

It was in that year that the Brazilian, then aged 21, arrived at Milan from São Paulo. Across his two spells at the club, he played for seven seasons and became one of the most memorable players in its history.

Kaká’s heyday in the Milan shirt

The Brazilian was instrumental in Milan’s victory in their seventh UEFA Champions League in 2007, a title the club has yet to win again. After hitting the crossbar the previous year, Kaká finally led the team to glory. As well as finishing as the competition’s top scorer, he was involved in both goals in the 2–1 victory over Liverpool in the final, in a rematch against the previous season’s champions.

At the end of that year, he received the Ballon d'Or trophy, becoming the last Brazilian and the last player from the Italian league to win it (until 2026).

All six of Kaká’s consecutive Ballon d'Or nominations came thanks to his brilliant performances for Milan.

Kaká’s Ballon d'Or nominations:

  • 2004 – 15th place

  • 2005 – 9th place

  • 2006 – 11th place

  • 2007 – 1st place

  • 2008 – 9th place

  • 2009 – 6th place

The statistics of an idol

In total, Kaká scored 104 goals in 307 appearances for Milan. He is among the 30 players who have made the most appearances for the club in its history and is one of only ten players to have scored more than 100 goals for the side.

Players with over 100 goals for AC Milan:

  1. Gunnar Nordahl (1949–56) – 221 goals

  2. Andriy Shevchenko (1999–06, 2008–09) – 175 goals

  3. Gianni Rivera (1960–79) – 164 goals

  4. José “Mazzola” Altafini (1958–65) – 150 goals

  5. Aldo Boffi (1936–45) – 130 goals

  6. Filippo Inzaghi (2001–12) – 126 goals

  7. Marco van Basten (1987–95) – 125 goals

  8. Giuseppe Santagostino (1921–32) – 105 goals

  9. Kaká (2003–09, 2013–14) – 104 goals

  10. Pierino Prati (1966–73) – 102 goals

The Brazilian also provided 81 assists for Milan, the second-highest tally by any player in the club’s history. He is second only to Gianni Rivera, winner of the 1969 Ballon d'Or, who recorded an impressive 183 assists.

In addition to his individual statistics, Kaká also left his mark on the club’s history by winning five titles.

Titles won by Kaká with AC Milan:

  • Serie A 2003–04

  • 2004 Italian Super Cup

  • UEFA Champions League 2006–07

  • UEFA Super Cup 2007

  • 2007 FIFA Club World Cup

A legacy that goes beyond the numbers

But Kaká’s importance to Milan goes far beyond statistics and honours. His legacy is also marked by the special bond he forged with the fans and the inspiration he has provided for future generations of players.

In January 2009, for example, when rumours emerged that he was set to leave Milan to play for Manchester City, the fans protested against his possible departure outside the club’s headquarters and held demonstrations outside his home. In response, the Brazilian waved to them, holding up his shirt out of the window. The move to City did not go ahead and, although Kaká eventually moved to Real Madrid, he returned to Milan a few years later.

Shortly after his return, in 2013, he suffered an injury to his left adductor muscle and was unable to play. As a sign of respect and gratitude to the club that had given him so much throughout his career, he decided to forgo his wages whilst he recovered.

Following Kaká’s induction into the Hall of Fame, Milan posted a tribute to the former midfielder on social media, accompanied by the following message: ‘You made San Siro believe in magic. Tonight, all the magic was for you.’ (Instagram – AC Milan)

The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Diego Moreira, who joined the club earlier this year, also spoke about the honour of wearing Kaká’s iconic number 22 shirt: “It’s an honour, and now it’s up to me to show that I can follow in his footsteps, because he left a legacy here.” (DAZN)

More than a decade after his finest moments in the Rossoneri shirt, Kaká is still remembered with the same affection. After all, some players win trophies, others go down in history. And then there are those who make an entire stadium believe in the magic of football.