A Class Of His Own...

Ricardo Izecson is truly in a class of His own. While his peers are often getting into the news for the wrong reason, he has managed to steer clear of the front pages and have allowed his feet to do the talking on the back pages. David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Ryan Giggs (yes, sadly) have been caught by hawk-eyed reporters having their own kind of fun with women who can only have more respect for themselves. The only other top footballer who can fit into the description of 'clean' is Paul Scholes. But after this morning (european time), Ricardo will definitely make the headlines in the front pages for perhaps the first time of his career. Nope, he hasn't gotten into trouble. He just won the 2007 Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) and was crowned the World Footballer of the Year.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, better known as Kaka, has been plying his trade at AC Milan for the past 4 years. In spite of his young career, he has already been there and done that. In 2002, he was part of the Brazil squad that won the FIFA World Cup. In his first season with Milan, the club finished off at the top of the Italian League to claim the Scudetto. He also led the team to 2 UEFA Champions League trophies, the latest one came from the last season.

But it ain't for his skills on the ball that has won my admiration for him. In fact, as a supporter of the 'devils' I should hate him for dumping my team out of the Champions League on 2 occasions!!

Kaka is a box-to-box Christian. For every goal that he scores, he never forgets to raise his hands to the sky as his way of given thanks to the Lord. In the Champions League triumph last May, he took of his shirt to reveal a t-shirt with the words 'I Belong To Jesus' printed on it.

In a world where top footballers are surrounded by flashing cameras and pretty ladies, Kaka has decided to stay pure and has become THE role model for youngsters out there. He also proudly boasts that he kept his virginity for his wife Caroline, whom he married 2 years ago. That's something that sounds almost weird in the modern day.

Kaka is a proud member of the 'Athletes of Christ' organisation (http://www.atletasdecristo.org/), which also includes Kaka's fellow national teammate, Lucio. In a recent interview, Kaka has expressed his desire to go full-time in the ministry after his boots are hung up.

Kaka has definitely made it, in our own words, as a successful marketplace minister.