The end of an era is approaching - the last player to win the Ballon d'Or before Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is edging towards retirement.Ricardo Kaka has been easing out his wonderful career, as many players do, in the MLS with Orlando City. His career saw spells with Real Madrid as well as his beloved AC Milan and procured two Champions League titles as well as the World Cup with Brazil.The pinnacle undoubtedly arrived in 2007 when his lifting of the highest individual award in football vindicated his mercurial style and talent, while drawing an end to an entire chapter of the game.Sadly, though, the writing has been on the wall for sometime for Kaka. His move to Real never really got off the ground, a return to AC Milan served as something of a victory lap and he's been in second gear in the Sunshine State.Moreover, this season has seen the Brazilian truly fall out of love with the beautiful game.He admitted recently: "I don’t find enjoyment playing football anymore, I feel pain after every match. My body feels it and at the age of 35 it’s hard to recuperate.”As a result, the end is nigh for Kaka and while a brief return to Sao Paolo is mooted, last night's clash with Columbus Crew had been confirmed as his last game for Orlando after 73 appearances.It wasn't the perfect result for Kaka's final fixture in the MLS, however, with Ola Kamara grabbing the only goal of the game in the 70th minute.
However, there was still time for a rather unexpected and heartwarming moment involving the star of the night.With just three minutes left to play, the game came to a standstill when two young Orlando fans ran onto the pitch and hugged Kaka.The Brazilian embraced the two boys and gentlemanly ushered them back to their section of the stand despite a member of match security and a club official arriving on the scene. Check out the brilliant moment below:
Just in case there was any doubt that the latest generation doesn't appreciate Kaka, here's evidence to the contrary and pretty much proof that everybody loves the man.
Whether the 35-year-old decides to bow out now or say his goodbyes to Brazilian football for a few months, it seems 2017 has claimed another legend.
The last 'human' to win the Ballon d'Or is truly on his way out.
What's your favourite memory of Kaka in the beautiful game? Have your say in the comments section below.