You Won't Believe Which Brazilian Star Is Coming To MLS

In what is the biggest move to Major League Soccer since the arrival of David Beckham, Brazilian legend Ricardo Kaka has agreed to join the newest American expansion team, Orlando City. Don’t get too excited just yet, because Orlando will not officially take part in MLS until 2015; therefore Kaka will spend the year in between playing for Sao Paulo FC (where he played from 2001-2003) in Brazil.

The Brazilians move to the US continues to prove that this sport, despite what Ann Coulter wrote (which you have to read to believe), is growing at a tremendous rate. Bringing in a guy who was once considered to be the best player in the world is huge not only for the city of Orlando, but for the entire country. With the national team getting out of the “Group of Death” and the growing interest around the nation, a move like this only shows that the sport is continuing to grow in the states.

For those of you who may not know who Kaka is, here is a quick list of his achievements. On a domestic level, he’s won a Champions League title (2007) and Serie A title (2004) with AC Milan [where he scored 104 goals in 307 appearances]; while adding a La Liga title with Madrid in 2012. On an international level, he’s won a World Cup with Brazil in 2002. And on an individual level he won the Ballon d’Or (which is the highest individual honor you can receive in the world of soccer) while simultaneously being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.

There is no doubt that at a certain point in time, he was the best player in the entire world. He captivated fans not only with his skill on the ball, but also with his infectious charisma. By coming to America, Kaka has achieved something that he has always wanted to achieve. “I’ve always wanted to the play in the USA and now I have reached an agreement to play there” via BBC.

Playing in the MLS, Kaka can still get paid very well, while also being one of the league’s best players. That was something that was just not possible at this point in his career in Europe. This is a huge move for Kaka, but an even bigger one for the league. The amount of money they will now get from ticket and jerseys sales, is only small compared to the impact it may make on other world-class players who may want to come to America at the end of their careers.

It is astonishing to see how far this league has come in the past ten years. Having idolized the Brazilian, as a soccer player growing up, I am overly excited to know that I will have the opportunity to see him play in person. First it was Beckham, then came others, now comes Kaka, I can’t wait to see who will join them in the future.