Kaká Moved to Tears as AC Milan Inducts Brazilian Legend into Hall of Fame
Brazilian football icon Ricardo Kaká was inducted into the AC Milan Hall of Fame on Saturday in an emotional ceremony at the San Siro, just before the Serie A derby against Inter Milan.
The former playmaker, whose full name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, was visibly moved to tears as fans gave him a standing ovation and chanted his name.
He received a commemorative plaque and trophy presented by the club, then recreated his famous goal celebration by pointing both index fingers skyward while jogging across the pitch.
Kaká had been selected earlier in 2026 by fan vote as one of the greatest midfielders in the club’s history, alongside Carlo Ancelotti and Ruud Gullit.
The formal on-pitch recognition took place on 31 October 2026 ahead of the match, which AC Milan went on to win 3-1.
Across two spells with the Rossoneri, from 2003 to 2009 and a return in the 2013-14 season, Kaká made 307 appearances and scored 104 goals.
He was central to the team’s success in that era, helping Milan win the Serie A title, the UEFA Champions League in 2007 (scoring twice in the semi-final against Manchester United), the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
In 2007 he also claimed the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, remaining the last Milan player to win the Ballon d’Or.
In a message to supporters ahead of the derby, Kaká reflected on his first goal against Inter in October 2003 and the special bond with the club.
“Dear Milan fans, the derby match will remain etched in my memory, and scoring my first goal during it was truly a unique feeling. Some magical moments are unforgettable, and some kinds of love never end. Forza Milan!” he wrote.
After the ceremony he told media: “It’s very difficult to put into words the feelings I get here when I’m in San Siro with all the Milan fans. It’s a special day for me.”
The AC Milan Hall of Fame, launched as part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations and presented by Emirates, already includes Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi.
Future categories will honour goalkeepers and defenders.
Kaká’s induction reinforces his status as one of the most elegant and successful players in the club’s modern history.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
