Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

Kaka with his younger brother,Diago (www.wikepedia.org)

My hero is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite better known as Kaka. He is a Brazilian national and plays for A.C Millan. Kaka's balling skills and pop star looks have captivated the hearts of both male and female fans around the world. He is focused, God-fearing, aggressive and this makes him one of the best players all over the world.

Kaka made his debut at São Paulo FC in 2001 when he was 18 years old. In the first season, he scored 12 goals in 27 appearances and 10 goals in 22 appearances. He has many times been called the new Pele. Kaka lives in Brazil and is a true Milanista. He was transferred to AC Milan from Sao Paulo FC in 2003. Currently he is settled back at his home club, AC Milan.

He was born on April 22, 1982 in Brasília, to Simone Cristina dos Santos Leite and Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite. He grew up in Brazil and started playing soccer at the young age of 5 years with the help of his dad; who first taught him how to kick a ball. Kaka grew to love the sport and it is clearly seen on the pitch today from the way he plays with passion. He met his wife, Caroline Celico, while she was still a student and he was playing as a substitute for AC Milan.They were married at the Reborn Chuch on December 23 2005 and on his wedding day, to the shock of his family and teammates, he proudly announced that he was a virgin.

Kaka is important to me because his motto in life is "I belong to Jesus" and "God is faithful", which he has stitched onto the tongue of his Adidas boots. Kaka's favorite book is the Bible. In his free time he likes to be in church, read the bible, and be with his family, particularly his younger brother Digao. In September, 2000, at the age of 18, Kaka suffered a career-threatening and possibly paralysis-inducing spine fracture as a result of a pool accident. One year later Kaká made his comeback on the pitch, when he came in as a reserve-substitute in the Tornero Rio Final. He attributes his recovery to God and has since tithed his income to his church. He recently scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League Semi Finals sending Mancester United back home in tears!

Kaka has made a difference in my life by helping me look at sportsmen, particulary soccer players in a new perspective. Not only is he a family man and good soccer player,he also has a big heart and loves to help the needy, especially young children and that is why he was the youngest ambassador at the time of his appointment for the United Nations against hunger. He is a devoted evangelical Christian and this has helped me to stick to my faith and he has made me love football because of his amazing skill at the game. Maybe someday, I will be as great as he is even if it's not in football.