Former Real Madrid midfielder Kaká spoke in an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, discussing everything from his difficult years at the Santiago Bernabéu to his relationship with José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the role faith played in helping him navigate adversity.
The Brazilian arrived in Madrid in 2009 as one of the biggest stars in world football. Fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007 and leading Milan to Champions League glory, expectations were enormous. Injuries, fierce competition,
and tactical decisions ultimately prevented him from reaching the heights many anticipated.
“People see me as one of Real Madrid’s worst signings”
Kaká acknowledged the perception surrounding his time in Spain and spoke openly about how it affected him.
“My time at Real Madrid was very complete. There were personal and professional aspects. I arrived from Milan as the best player, and if you look now at Real Madrid’s worst signings, I’m first along with Hazard. You can see it, Kaká and Hazard.”
Mourinho, injuries, and competition for places
Kaká identified two primary reasons behind his difficulties at the club: injuries and José Mourinho’s team selections.
“My problems in Madrid were, firstly, injuries, and secondly, the coach’s decisions. Mourinho preferred other players: Özil, Di María, Benzema, Cristiano… There I was. We were all fighting for two spots in the starting eleven. He opted for other players. That time was really important for me because I tried to show him, I did everything I could, that I could play more and have more consistency. At the same time, I had a personal identity problem.”
The identity crisis that changed his life
Perhaps the most revealing part of the conversation centered on the emotional toll of those years and how his faith helped him overcome it.
“‘Who am I: the best in the world or one of Real Madrid’s worst signings in recent years?’ I thought about it. Faith was very important there. I wasn’t the best in the world, nor was I one of Real Madrid’s worst signings. I was a child of God. My identity was defined by faith. God loved me in every situation. I performed well in Milan, and God blessed me. If I couldn’t perform well in Madrid, if I couldn’t control the outcome, God was still with me, and I was blessed. Emotionally, personally, everything was there in those four years. It was an incredible period.”
A lasting relationship with Real Madrid and Florentino Pérez
Despite the disappointment of not fulfilling expectations on the pitch, Kaká emphasized that his relationship with Real Madrid remains exceptionally positive.
“I love seeing Florentino, the players, and the staff who are still here, and having the doors open. Every time they see me, they say, ‘This is your club, it’s great to have you here.’ The day I left Real Madrid, Florentino called me into his office and said, ‘Look, it didn’t go as we all wanted, but I’m very happy that you played for us. You’ve always been professional and had integrity. You’ve never said anything bad about the coach, the club, or anyone here.’ I never said anything, and you’ll never see me say anything bad about the club or the coach. I had to go through it. I’m very happy with who I am today, and that’s partly thanks to that time.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: “He solved a lot of problems for us”
Kaká also reflected on sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese superstar’s early years in Madrid.
“I played with him Cristiano Ronaldo for four years. A great guy, a great teammate. We spoke Portuguese, and I was with the Portuguese players: Marcelo, Pepe, Carvalho, Cristiano… It was a great group. He has his own way of thinking, of breaking records, of scoring more goals. It’s incredible. I understand it. He works for it. It’s different. For me, things happen. I want to improve, to be better, but there are many things I can’t control. He was an inspiration. It’s great to have players like that. He solved a lot of problems for us. When you have players like that, it’s incredible. It was incredible to have him.”
Ancelotti and Brazil’s future
Kaká also voiced strong support for Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil manager and identified Vinícius Júnior as the face of the national team’s future.
“Ancelotti is the best possible coach for Brazil. Vinicius is the star at Real Madrid. He’s been the best in the world. Vini can be the leader. Raphinha too. Casemiro and his leadership. Marquinhos. But up front, Vini, Raphinha, Cunha…”
The greatest player he ever played with
Finally, Kaká named Ronaldo Nazário as the best player he ever shared a pitch with, placing him above every other superstar from his career.
“The best player I’ve ever played with is Ronaldo the Phenomenon. The way he thinks combined with his quality in execution… It’s incredible to watch. Sometimes I’d say, ‘How can he think that?’ and then execute it. Connection? He connected very well with Pirlo. He didn’t have to ask for the ball or do anything, the ball would just come to him. The same with Seedorf.”
