Good Guys DO Finish First!

"Tonight is really special for me," said Kaka, who helped Milan to their seventh European Cup title in May and was also inspirational in Sunday's 4-2 Club World Cup final victory over Argentina's Boca Juniors. "When I was young I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and playing just one game for the national team. That was it...but the Bible says God gives us more than we ask for and that is what has happened in my life." - Reuters

MILAN — AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka defies the model of a modern footballer. The 26-year-old chooses to let his football make the headlines, not for him boozefuelled romps with starry-eyed groupies or days out on the track eyeing fillies of the four-legged variety.

Kaka, a devout Christian, largely avoids celebrity parties and does not worry too much about his image, expressing himself on the pitch with mesmeric skill and driving runs.

On Monday (Tuesday morning, Singapore time), his dedication saw yet another individual award go his way, as he was crowned World Player of the Year by Fifa. Last month, he had already bagged the FIFPro World Player of the Year and Uefa European Club Player of the Year accolades.

A goal in Milan’s 4-2 win over Boca Juniors in Sunday’s Club World Cup Final was the perfect curtain raiser to the Brazilian’s latest individual gong. Filippo Inzaghi thanked Kaka for setting up his two goals. "Kaka was just excellent. He scored one himself and helped me with my goals," said the 34-year-old Italian striker.

The win also avenged Milan's defeat on penalties to the Argentinians in the final of the 2003 Intercontinental Cup, the Club World Cup's previous incarnation. ."I don't like the word 'revenge,'" said Kaka. "In 2003, we lost and it was history. Now we won and made history."

AC Milan's Filipo Inzaghi (L) celebrates with teammate Kaka after scoring a goal against Boca Juniors during their FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. Italian giants AC Milan overwhelmed Argentina's Boca Juniors 4-2 to win a record fourth intercontinental crown. Kaka's unselfish play created 2 goals for his team-mate and Inzaghi was quick to acknowledge the Brazilian's contribution to his success after the match.

He finished ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting. Kaka struck 10 goals to guide Milan to their seventh European Cup triumph in May.

With no World Cup or European Championship to help voters, Kaka’s form for Milan has been the reason why he is now rated as the top footballer in the world.

Few will disagree he is the best right now. He scores goals, he has bundles of energy, shows plenty of courage and is also unselfish, creator as well as finisher.

His wife announced recently they were expecting their first son while Kaka says life as an evangelical pastor appeals to him after football. But football is his calling now.

— AGENCIES


Way to go Kaka! Congratulations!

What strikes me always is Kaka's testimony for God in the glitzy world of football. (Compare this to the recent fiasco involving Man Utd players at a Christmas party leading to rape allegations. see http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/12/18/manchester-united-party-rape-probe-89520-20259565/ )

He plays by God's rules. He attributes His success to his Creator. Despite his powess as a world-class footballer, he is not a selfish player, and frequently creates goals for the team instead of scoring on his own. He does not let success go to his head or subscribed to the hedonism that many famous players are notorious for. His faith is so much a part of him, and he carries it so naturally that the secular press, whenever writing about him, almost without fail mentions that he is a "devout Christian".

He brings to mind God's promises in Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
For they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

May he continue to shine brightly for the Lord, may he always be an excellent role model to millions around the world so that they will always "see his good works and glorify our Father in heaven".
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