Kaka did not get the complete celebrity treatment and adoration a superstar might typically get. He still made the most of his time in Orlando.
When Orlando City signed Kaka, he was welcomed to adoring crowds. It was about as close as Kaka might come to walking in the streets of Rio de Janeiro or about anywhere else in the world. The crowds swarmed around him like the celebrity he is.
They all waited to see what he would do on the field.
And Kaka has delivered in every way. He has scored nine goals and seven assists this season for Orlando City, dominating the ball and being a driving force for the team. His world-class skill has been on full display at times and he has bolstered the team into national prominence.
Kaka has made a home in Orlando and has made himself a big part of the community very quickly. He has experienced everything Orlando has to offer and made it his home, as Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel writes:
“Every country that I lived, I saw a lot of Brazilian players or foreign players going to another country and trying to change another country into their country. I never wanted to do that. When I went to Italy I tried to live as an Italian; Spain, the same; and here, the same. I’ve tried to live as an American. I’m enjoying [watching] the NBA. To go to a UCF [football] game two weeks ago, to see the Orlando Magic play, the American sports and the American way of life. So it’s been a very good experience for me. I’m very happy.”
Kaka told Tenorio he was happy with how his year went. He felt like he helped the young players on the roster improve and he has played well enough to get called back up to the Brazilian national team earlier this season.
Kaka has had to carry a heavy load for Orlando City, particularly with injuries to midfield mates Kevin Molino and Brek Shea through the course of the season. He has done it well though and has Orlando City one win away from setting the MLS record for points accumulated by an expansion franchise. Not to mention an outside shot at making the Playoffs.
All in all, it has been a good first year for Kaka and Orlando City. With still plenty more to come.
