Kaka announces retirement, calls time on sparkling career

After revealing in October that he wouldn’t return to Orlando City SC in 2018, Kaka announced on social media on Sunday morning that he has retired from the sport.

Father,
It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amem.

Pai,
Foi muito mais do que eu pedi ou imaginei!Obrigado! Eis-me aqui para próxima jornada. Em nome de Jesus. Amém. pic.twitter.com/PofZBAV0BE
— Kaka (@KAKA) December 17, 2017

A true legend of the game, the 35-year-old Brazilian won the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Serie A, La Liga and two Confederations Cup titles in his sparkling 16-year career.

The last player not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d’Or given to the best player in the world in 2007, he joined Orlando City as the club’s first Designated Player in the summer of 2014. A three-time MLS All-Star, he recorded 24 goals and 22 assists in 75 regular season appearances in his three years with the Lions. He was limited to just 18 starts in 2017 due to injury.

A legendary career: ☑️
A legendary Lion in Orlando: ☑️

Congratulations on an amazing career, @KAKA! Happy retirement! #ForeverALion 🦁 pic.twitter.com/JXMLSyS7kh
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 17, 2017

Kaka scored 29 goals in 92 career appearances with Brazil, helping the country to the 2002 World Cup title and playing for them at the 2006 and 2010 tournaments. The former Sao Paulo, AC Milan and Real Madrid star is one of 11 World Cup winners and one of just three Ballon d’Or winners to play in MLS.

Sam Stejskal -

@samstejskal