About this episode

Kaká shares insights on his career, Brazil's football culture, and the evolution of the number 10 role in modern football.

This is Kaká as you rarely see or hear him - one of football’s most private superstars sitting down in Rio's Airbnb for a remarkably open reflection on a career that made him a global icon and one of the last true Ballon d’Or winning number 10s. The Brazilian legend opens up about the swimming pool accident that nearly ended his journey before it had even begun and why his faith became even stronger after what doctors described as a “miracle” recovery. Despite becoming one of the biggest stars in world football, Kaká remains remarkably humble throughout this conversation - discussing how his family kept him grounded and why his mentality was completely different to Cristiano Ronaldo’s obsession with becoming “the best”. He also gives rare insight into the legendary AC Milan dressing room under Carlo Ancelotti, including how Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf helped shape him into a Ballon d’Or winner and why Pirlo could “find him anywhere” on the pitch. The conversation leads into a fascinating discussion around the disappearance of classic number 10s in modern football, with Kaká explaining why the game no longer creates enough space for maverick players to thrive. He names Cole Palmer…

More episodes of Rio Ferdinand Presents

• Why Harry Kane is the World’s BEST Number 9 | How Portugal should manage Ronaldo · June 11, 2026 · 34 min
• Gary Neville: Why Harry Kane Will BREAK Alan Shearer’s Record · June 8, 2026 · 1h 15m

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