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Orlando City’s inaugural MLS squad: Where are they now?

By Matt Coles

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: The group photo of the Orlando City SC prior to an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1.(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: The group photo of the Orlando City SC prior to an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1.(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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HARRISON, NJ – AUGUST 12: Captain Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC signals his thoughts on the call MLS match between New York Red Bulls and Orlando City SC at the Red Bull Arena on August 12, 2017 in HARRISON, NJ. The New York Red Bulls won the match with a score of 3 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ – AUGUST 12: Captain Kaka #10 of Orlando City SC signals his thoughts on the call MLS match between New York Red Bulls and Orlando City SC at the Red Bull Arena on August 12, 2017 in HARRISON, NJ. The New York Red Bulls won the match with a score of 3 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

AM – Kaká – Retired

Brazilian legend Kaká became Orlando City’s first ever Designated Player in MLS when he joined for there inaugural season in the United States’ top flight. The attacking midfielder started his career with São Paulo in 2001, making the leap to becoming a professional after spending seven years in the club’s youth systems.

The Brazilian made his international bow whilst at São Paulo and was part of the side that won the FIFA World Cup in 2002. He also helped his country to win the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009.

Kaká spent six seasons in Milan, helping AC to a Serie A title in his first season in 2003-04. The Brazilian midfielder also helped the side to win the Champions League in the 2006-07 season and he went on to claim the Ballon d’Or that same year.

He then moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, and went on to lift a second Champions League with Los Blancos in 2011-12. After a second spell with AC Milan, Kaká made the move to MLS for the 2015 campaign, and spent three seasons with the Lions. He played 75 times, scoring 24 goals and creating 22 others before retiring at the end of the 2017 season, after being named to the MLS All-Star squad in each of his three seasons in the league.

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