90min

OPPO Global Brand Ambassador Kaka recalls 2005 Champions League Final

Kaka returned to Turkey to watch Manchester City triumph 1-0 over Inter Milan.

By Lizzy Becherano

Kaka returns to Istanbul.
Kaka returns to Istanbul. /
facebooktwitterreddit

AC Milan legend Kaka recalled the last time he played the Champions League final in Istanbul, labeling the match “the best game in history” despite losing to Liverpool in penalties. 

The Ballon D’Or winner returned to Turkey, this time as global brand ambassador for OPPO to watch as Manchester City triumphed 1-0 over Inter Milan to lift their first ever Champions League trophy. 

“It has been an incredible experience to return to Istanbul together with OPPO to witness the crowning of a new champion at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final,” said Kaká. 

“Once again, we have seen miracles made both on and off the pitch here. Together with OPPO, I look forward to inspiring football fans around the world to make their own miracles too. I was here in 2005 when we lost, I think it's one of the best games in history. Unfortunately, we lost but that taught me a lot of good things for my career.” 

Kaka went on to get revenge over Liverpool in 2007, defeating the English team 2-1 to lift the Champions League trophy in Athens. He managed the assist for the second goal, inspiring teammate Filippo Inzaghi to score the winning strike. 

Years later, he shared the excitement of watching Manchester City make miracles. 

“This time, I feel really happy and at peace here. Everybody’s content, and we get to watch two giant teams, that's what makes this game so exciting.” 

And the 2023 Champions League final didn’t disappoint, as Pep Guardiola's men triumphed 1-0 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, with Rodri's second-half thunderbolt proving the difference.The English side survived an incredibly nervy final third to the game - including over five agonizing minutes of stoppage time - to seal their first ever European Cup. 

They are the first team in Europe to complete a league, cup and Champions League treble since Bayern Munich in 2019/20. And the second English team to accomplish the feat after Manchester United. 

“Everything here is just so amazing,” concluded Kaka.