LifeBogger presents the Full Story of a Brazilian Football Legend best known by the Nickname; “Kaka”.

Our version of Ricardo Kaka’s Childhood Story, including his Untold Biography, brings you a full account of notable events from his boyhood days to when he achieved fame.

The analysis of the former FIFA World Best involves his life story before fame, relationship life, family life and many OFF-Pitch, little-known facts about him.

Yes, everyone knows about his Legendary status with AC Milan. However, not many soccer fans have read a concise version of Ricardo Kaka Biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.

Ricardo Kaka Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For Biography starters, his full names are Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. Please note that ‘Kaka’ is just a nickname. The Football Legend was born on the 22nd day of April 1982 in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil.

He was born to his mother, Simone dos Santos (a former elementary school teacher) and Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite (a retired civil engineer).

Kaka had a financially secure upbringing that allowed him to focus on both school and football at the same time. When he was seven, Kaká’s family moved to São Paulo.

Like many before him, Kaka found in football a game he loved. His school first discovered his talent and arranged him in a local youth club called “Alphaville,”.

Kaka made his club qualify for the final in their local tournament. This made him further scouted by his hometown club São Paulo FC, which offered him a place in the youth academy. The rest, as they say, is now history.

Ricardo Kaka Caroline Love Story:

Starting off, Kaka met his childhood sweetheart Caroline when she was 15, and he was 20 at that time.

This happened in 2002, while she was still in school in Brazil. They fell deeply in love with each other. Even distance (in thousands of miles) couldn’t separate them.

Both started their serious relationship at a time Kaká was away to play for A.C. Milan. While he was away, Celico joined Kaka’s church in Brazil and later became a pastor, all thanks to her boyfriend’s Christian faith.

Truly, Caroline is very beautiful, faithful and a devout Christian. Kaka famously exclaimed that both of them were virgins before he proposed to her.

Ricardo Kaka and Caroline got married on the 23rd of December 2005 at the popular Rebirth in Christ church in São Paulo.

The couple has two children: son Luca Celico Leite (born 10 June 2008) and daughter Isabella (born 23 April 2011). Here, Kaka’s children share a sweet moment with their beloved father, showing just how much they adore and cherish him.

Ricardo Kaka Untold Biography – The Divorce Story:

In 2015, Kaká and Celico announced their divorce via social media.

In his words…“We would like to make public that, after nine years together, we have commonly agreed to divorce. Our marriage has given us two beautiful children whom we love so dearly.

In light of the important ties, we’ll continue to have, the respect, gratitude, and admiration for one another remains mutually intact.

We ask for your sympathy and understanding to preserve our privacy in such a moment of change.”

His Ex-wife Celico also revealed… “When a man cheats, it is a sign that his wife failed.” Her words gave Kaka’s fans a clue as to what caused their divorce and why they divorced.

On 24 December 2016, Kaka confirmed that he is dating the Brazilian model Carolina Dias in a message to his 9.8 million followers on Instagram.

The pair attended Lucas Moura’s wedding in Sao Paulo.

Also, In late 2016, after months of speculation, Caroline Celico officially confirmed that she is currently in a relationship with Brazilian businessperson Eduardo Scarpa.

Kaka was thrilled when he saw the photo of his ex-wife and the number one enemy he has. Eduardo appears to be taking very good care of his new love. 

Ricardo Kaka Family Life:

This section of the Brazilian football Legend’s Bio tells you more about members of his household. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Ricardo Kaka’s Father:

Kaka’s dad, Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, is a retired civil engineer of middle-class family background. He made sure his two sons (Kaka and Digão) got the proper upbringing.

They were far from being raised in poverty. He gave them the right education and opportunity to choose and live their career dreams. Below is Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite and his first son, Little Kaka.

Ricardo Kaka’s Mother:

Kaka’s mum, Simone dos Santos is a retired elementary school teacher who has to build positive interactions between her, Kaka, and the rest of her family.

Being an elementary school teacher made her get a better understanding of her family dynamics. Simone dos Santos is behind Kaka’s closeness to God. Both are very close as seen in the picture below.

Ricardo Kaka’s Brother: 

Rodrigo Manuel Izecson dos Santos Leite (born 14 October 1985), known as Digão, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer and the only brother of Kaka. He played as a central defender during his career days.

As Bleachers Report puts it, Digão is among the list of the world’s top-10 footballing brothers who didn’t make it in their career.

Digão played for AC Milan for a year before returning to the American continent to continue his career, which failed.

To date, he is regarded as the most woeful player to ever set foot on a Serie A pitch. Some fans say he is the direct opposite (antonym) of Kaka in every way possible.

Shockingly, Digão played only 38 games in his entire career without scoring a goal. He retired at the early age of 32, having seen soccer wasn’t his calling.

What is lost in his career got gained in his love life. He is happily married to architect Rebeca Sabino. Kaká was the godfather of the wedding.

Ricardo Kaka Biography – The Swimming Pool Accident:

At the age of 18, Kaká suffered a career-threatening and possibly paralysis-inducing spinal fracture as a result of a swimming pool accident.

 

Fortunately, he made a full recovery. He attributes his recovery to God and has since tithed his income to his church.

Ricardo Kaka Biography – Origin of Nickname:

 

His younger brother Rodrigo (best known as Digão) and cousin Eduardo Delani are also professional footballers.

Digão called him “Caca” due to his inability to pronounce “Ricardo” when they were young. The lack of pronunciation eventually evolved into the name ‘Kaká’. The name ‘Kaka’ has no specific Portuguese translation.

Below is a photo of Kaka and his kid brother when they were kids.

Ricardo Kaka Religion:

Kaká is a devout evangelical Christian who was an active member of the São Paulo-based Rebirth in Christ Church.

He became engrossed in religion at the age of 12: “I learnt that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not.” says Kaka.

He is known to usually remove his jersey to reveal his “I Belong to Jesus T-shirt. Kaka has also been actively engaged in prayer moments after the final whistle of matches.

This he did after Brazil’s 2002 World Cup, Milan’s 2004 Scudetto and 2007 Champions League triumphs.

During the post-match celebration following Brazil’s 4–1 win over Argentina in the 2005 Confederations Cup final, he and several of his teammates wore T-shirts that read “Jesus Loves You” in various languages.

 

While receiving the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award in 2007, he said when he was young, he just wanted to be a professional player for São Paulo and play one game for the Brazil national team, but that “God gave [him] more than he ever asked for.”

 

To date, Kaká’s favourite music genre is gospel, and his favourite book also remains the Bible. 

In an interview with the Brazilian television O Globo, Kaka manifested the will to become an evangelical pastor after retirement. 

What Kaka is remembered for:

 

• For his defence-splitting passes.
• We remember Kaka for the injuries he suffered at Real Madrid.
• For being quick, strong, agile and hard-working.
• We remember Kaka for being a creative team player with great pace, good feet, and excellent balance.
• For his ability to dribble past defenders.
• We remember Kaka for being a leader of counterattacks and creating chances. 
• For being an accurate penalty taker.
• We remember Kaka for being a deep role midfield playmaker.
• For his formidable partnership with Cyle Larin while both played at Orlando City.

Fact Check

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