From the sunny terraces of Santiago Bernabéu to longing glances back at San Siro, the departure of Kaka, StefaKick will walk you through when Kaka left Real Madrid, the reasons behind his exit, the emotional aftermath, and how it shaped the final chapters of his club career.
The Road to Departure: Four Challenging Seasons
Kaka arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 amid tremendous fanfare, transferred from AC Milan for a reported €65–€67 million fee. He was expected to continue the brilliance that had earned him a Ballon d’Or in 2007. But over his Madrid years, things did not go as planned.
Injuries plagued him and limited his ability to deliver consistently. Across the 2009–10 to 2012–13 campaigns, Kaka never appeared in more than 30 league matches in a single season. One of his toughest spells came in 2010–11, when a serious left knee issue prompted surgery and months on the sidelines. His playing rhythm was forever disrupted.
The club’s coaching changes, strategic shifts, and the rise of other stars squeezed his role further. Despite flashes of brilliance and memorable performances—especially in Champions League nights—Kaka gradually shifted into more of a rotational role than a marquee starter.
By mid-2013, it was clear: he wanted more playing time, dignity, and a chance to rediscover joy in football.
The Moment He Left: 29 August 2013
The key date fans often point to is 29 August 2013. On that day, Kaka publicly declared his desire to leave Real Madrid. He released an open letter to the fans, thanking them for their support and acknowledging that factors like injuries and limited opportunities had taken their toll.
Just a few days later, the move was formalized: 2 September 2013, Kaka rejoined AC Milan on a free transfer. He accepted a two-year deal with performance-based incentives, fully aware his value had shifted since his original Milan-to-Madrid switch.
Thus, the official parting occurred in late August/early September 2013, marking the end of an era at Real Madrid.
Why He Left: Causes and Context
The departure of Kaka from Real Madrid wasn’t a sudden betrayal—it was the culmination of multiple pressures stacking up over time. Below, StefaKick discusses the critical reasons behind his exit:
1. Injuries & Fitness Battles
Persistent knee and muscular issues robbed him of rhythm and consistency. He was never quite the same explosive playmaker in Madrid as he had been in Milan.
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2. Limited Minutes & Tactical Fit
With star power all around him, Kaka found himself often squeezed out of starting eleven decisions. Managers used him sparingly, especially when matches demanded physical intensity or high pressing.
3. Emotional Toll & Professional Pride
In later interviews, Kaka said the day he left Madrid was his favorite memory from that period—not out of bitterness, but because it represented closure: “Florentino told me I was a great professional… the injuries and few minutes didn’t allow it.”
4. Return to a Familiar Home
He always dreamt of returning to Milan. The Rossoneri offered him a chance to reconnect with the setting that once made him world-class.
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What He Left Behind: Achievements and Legacy
Though his Madrid era is often judged as underwhelming, Kaka still amassed a respectable record:
- Appearances in all competitions: ~120
- Goals: ~29
- Assists / contributions: ~32 (or more, depending on source)
- Honors: La Liga (2011–12), Copa del Rey (2010–11)
Yet, in the eyes of many Madridistas and pundits, his legacy there is shaded by “what could have been.” He came with great expectations, but injuries and circumstance turned him into a shadow of his former self.
Despite that, he stayed gracious. Kaka never publicly lashed out at the club or management. He maintained respect for Real Madrid—even in his farewell remarks.
The Aftermath: Milan, MLS, and Retirement
After leaving Real Madrid, Kaka’s career took several turns:
- AC Milan Return (2013–14)
- He signed a two-year deal, wore his old number (22), and was even given a leadership role. But injuries struck again. On his first competitive appearance, he pulled an adductor muscle. In solidarity, he protested by refusing wages during his recovery. His second spell was turbulent and short-lived.
- Move to MLS – Orlando City (2014–2017)
- After parting ways with Milan by mutual consent, Kaka joined American side Orlando City as a Designated Player, becoming one of the highest-paid footballers in MLS history at the time.
- Retirement (2017)
- He officially announced his retirement in December 2017, wrapping up a storied career that included club and international glory.
While the Madrid chapter was flawed, it remains a fascinating case of expectations vs. reality—and a reminder that even the greatest players can be human.
Final Thoughts
When Kaka left Real Madrid is a tale of ambition, adversity, and emotional clarity. He officially expressed his departure on 29 August 2013, before sealing a return to AC Milan on 2 September 2013. His time in Madrid was beset by injuries and diminished playing time, but he departed with dignity and respect—calling the day he left one of his fondest memories.
StefaKick hopes this exploration gives you a full picture of that pivotal moment. If you’d like more deep dives—on Kaka’s career overall, comparisons with other stars, or his best performances in Madrid—just say the word.
