In 2007, Kaka was deservedly handed the Ballon d'Or award, a Golden Ball that solidifies a player as the greatest footballer on earth for that moment in time. A career plagued by injuries, the Brazilian still managed to show the world what he was capable of in stadiums all over the globe. However, there is one specific British ground that stands out to the former AC Milan man.
Football is one of the most enjoyed sports on earth. A spectacle that takes in countries all over the globe, the 22-player event has numerous facets outside of the players that make the sport so beloved. From the managers to the rivalries between teams, one of the more underrated aspects of football is the stadium.
An arena that hosts the 90-minute performance, there is a litany of iconic stadiums all over the globe known for their fierce and admirable atmospheres. With countless heated rivalries taking place all over the world, from AC Milan and Inter Milan to Boca Juniors and River Plate, certain football stadiums can bring the best out of certain fan bases, with a good stadium operating like a 12th man.
Kaka enjoyed a 17-year career that saw him play his game in countries such as America, Spain and Italy. Travelling far and wide to play the beautiful game, the Brazilian revealed which stadium had 'one of the best atmospheres in football'.
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Kaka Named British Stadium with 'One of the Best Atmospheres'
Players from all over the globe have waxed lyrical about this ground
From Anfield to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the footballing world is filled with plenty of classic stadiums. However, for Kaka, it is a ground that he visited on four separate occasions that holds a place in his heart. Taking to X in 2020, the Ballon d'Or winner named Celtic Park, home of Celtic Football Club, as one of the most memorable places he played.
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Having played there for the legendary AC Milan side of the mid-2000s, Kaka stepped foot inside Parkhead four times during his career. Holding a record of one win, one loss and two draws, the intense atmosphere provided by the Celtic faithful meant Kaka's visits to Scotland were far from routine.
Speaking before one of their games in 2013, Kaka's AC Milan side was going through a rough patch where the home support was turning sour. However, despite this, he revealed he would rather play in front of an angry crowd of AC Milan fans than at Celtic Park.
“I’d prefer to play in the San Siro! Even in the current situation we are going through now, I would prefer that because I always feel good when I hear the fans sing for me. Playing against Celtic here with their support is really tough for us. It is a big atmosphere. A few of my teammates have played here in the past and I have tried to tell the ones who have not what it might be like.”
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