5 of the Best Moments of Kaka's Career

​Kaka is number 42 in 90min's Top 50 Greatest Footballers of All Time series.

One of Brazil's greatest ever midfielders (and that's saying something), Kaka conquered Europe with AC Milan. 

The midfield maestro's perfect balance of elegance, talent and ruthlessness made him one of the wonders of the world during the 2000s, and earned him plenty of prizes for club, country and himself.

Here are five of Kaka's greatest ever moments.

The First Half in Istanbul (Just the First Half)

One of Kaka's greatest moments, is also one of his most heartbreaking. We all know the infamous story of the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool, where Milan conspired to surrender a three-goal half-time lead and ultimately forfeit Europe's elite prize.

But, regardless of the eventual outcome, Kaka destroyed ​Liverpool during the first 45 minutes. The Brazilian won the free kick for Milan's opener, was heavily involved in the Rossoneri's second, and assisted Hernan Crespo with one of the great Champions League passes for Milan's third.

​A stunning first-half performance that was unfortunately, for Kaka, undone by a miracle.

Demolishing Old Trafford

On his way to the Champions League final in 2007, Kaka exhibited one of the greatest individual performances of the Champions League era. The venue: Old Trafford.

Despite his side losing 3-2, the Brazilian would net twice for Milan in classic Kaka style. Making his characteristic runs in behind the striker, the Milan midfielder would power through ​Manchester United's defence and finish with aplomb. 

His blend of power and finesse was epitomised by his performance in Manchester, and a goal in the return leg in Italy would help send ​Milan to Athens for the final.

Finally Winning the Champions League

Revenge is a sweet thing in football. But it comes no sweeter than Milan's 2007 ​Champions League final triumph over Liverpool.

Exorcising their demons from '05, Kaka and co. made no mistake second time around. The Brazilian once again won a free kick leading to a Milan goal, as well as grabbing himself another UCL final assist.

It would be the one and only Champions League trophy Kaka would lift. Patience truly is a virtue.

Winning the Ballon d'Or

​2007 was Kaka's year. His incredible performances with Milan in both Serie A and the Champions League had earned him the greatest individual accolade of all. 

Becoming only the fourth Brazilian to win the award, Kaka beat out both ​Cristiano Ronaldo and ​Lionel Messi in 2007 to lift the golden ball. The midfielder would go on to win Football of the Year as well, and 2007 signalled the end of an era, as Luka Modric is the only player outside of Messi and Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or since.

2011/12 Season at Real Madrid

While injuries plagued Kaka's career with Los Blancos, he still managed to be a crucial part of one of ​Madrid's greatest teams of this century.

Under Jose Mourinho, the Spanish giants broke the 100 point barrier for the first time in La Liga history, with Kaka providing five goals and nine assists during the league campaign. Playing alongside some of the world's finest, the Brazilian was in his element and once again proved why he must be considered one of the all-time greats.

90min's 'Top 50 Greatest Footballers of All Time' can be found here. 

Number 50: Luka Modric

Number 49: John Charles

Number 48: Hugo Sanchez

Number 47: Jairzinho

Number 46: Omar Sivori

Number 45: Paolo Rossi

Number 44: Paul Breitner

Number 43: George Weah