Former Brazil star Kaká recently appeared on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, where he candidly discussed his years at Real Madrid. Kaká admitted that due to injuries and Mourinho's selection preferences, his Real Madrid career did not meet expectations, and he considers himself and Hazard to be among Real Madrid's poorer signings. He expressed gratitude for the tolerance of Real Madrid's management and reflected on many key experiences in his career, stating that his faith helped him through low points. Due to its length, the content is divided into two parts; this is Part One.
Foreword
Kaká was one of the first stars to join the "Galácticos 2.0" in 2009. Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema also arrived at the Bernabéu that same year. Previously, in 2007, Kaká won the Champions League with AC Milan and claimed the Ballon d'Or. He transferred to Real Madrid for 67 million Euros. His four years at Real Madrid did not live up to external expectations, with injuries being one of the main reasons.
One of the Brazilian stars who failed to shine at Real Madrid: Kaká
More than ten years later, the now-retired Brazilian midfielder Kaká was invited to appear on the podcast of Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, where he frankly reviewed his entire journey at Real Madrid. He spoke with honesty and extreme self-reflection, stating that his Real Madrid career was intertwined with multiple ups and downs in both his personal life and professional career. He initially transferred to the Bernabéu from AC Milan with the reputation of being the world's best player, and now, when fans list Real Madrid's failed signings, he and Hazard often rank high, a fact he readily accepts.
"I encountered two major problems at Real Madrid: the first was persistent injuries, and the second was the coach's selection choices. Mourinho preferred to field players like Di María, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. A group of us midfielders had to compete for only two spots in the starting lineup, and the coach ultimately chose others. During that time, I tried my best to prove to him that I deserved more playing time and a stable starting position. At the same time, I was also struggling with my own identity," Kaká confessed when speaking about his time working with Mourinho.
"I kept asking myself: Am I still the world's number one footballer, or am I one of Real Madrid's biggest transfer failures in recent years? My faith sustained me during that low point. I was neither the undisputed best in the world nor a terrible signing; I was just a devout believer. God loves me no matter my circumstances. I peaked in Milan and was blessed; I couldn't perform ideally in Madrid, which was beyond my control, but God was still with me and blessed me. Over these four years, I experienced emotional ups and downs and personal growth, and this experience was incredibly precious."
Towards the end of his Real Madrid career, Kaká always harbored gratitude for the club president, Florentino Pérez. He remarked that every time he returned to the Bernabéu thereafter, Florentino, his teammates, and staff treated him warmly and kindly, the club always kept its doors open to him, and everyone genuinely told him that Real Madrid would always be his home, warmly welcoming him to visit often.
Kaká vividly remembers that on the day he officially left Real Madrid, Florentino specifically invited him for a private deep conversation in the president's office. Florentino admitted that he was well aware that Kaká's overall performance at the Bernabéu had not met the expectations of fans and all parties at the club, but he was still grateful that Kaká had once worn the Real Madrid jersey on the field. Florentino praised him for adhering to professional ethics and strict self-discipline throughout his career, being upright and candid, and never privately criticizing the coach, club management, or any teammates.
Kaká admitted that he had indeed never spoken negatively about the club or the coach back then, and he would never do such a thing in the future. During the difficult times of his low point at Real Madrid, he gritted his teeth and persevered step by step, and it was precisely this challenging experience that honed him, leading to his current open-minded and mature state of mind and life.