Transformation.
This noun is easy to read and write.
But it's incredibly difficult to carry out.
It's a massive challenge and test for anyone to suddenly shift from a path they've followed for ten or even twenty years—one where they've achieved great success—to another unfamiliar one, starting all over again.
Worse still, the achievements and experience accumulated along the way often become the greatest obstacles to transformation, rather than providing any help.
This is exactly the dilemma Kaka is facing right now.
The Brazilian superstar has always relied on a very physical style of play.
High-speed attacks and constant acceleration with the ball demand extremely high physical fitness. More importantly, Kaka's height and physical strength allow him to withstand collisions after sprinting, even while changing speed and direction during high-speed dribbling.
To put it bluntly, this style of play essentially burns through a player's career.
Speed-driven players like Robben and Owen used similar styles, but lacked Kaka's physical foundation, which led them to battle injuries for most of their careers.
Kaka's style is somewhat reminiscent of the old Ronaldo, and even Gareth Bale from a previous life—a combination of speed, skill, and physicality. But inevitably, they all suffered from injuries.
This is a common problem for players who rely on pace.
At his peak, the world saw Kaka's dribbling and speed, but often overlooked his physical strength and exceptional technique—especially his control over every touch during high-speed runs, and the seamless transitions between dribbling and passing.
It can be said that without any one of these attributes, Kaka wouldn't have been able to dominate European football.
But after a serious injury at AC Milan, he began to lose his speed and explosiveness.
This was a disaster for an attacker like Kaka.
It was one of the reasons why Gao Shen had opposed Real Madrid signing him.
There were also tactical reasons.
During his time at AC Milan, it was clear that Kaka performed better in the Champions League than in Serie A. This trend wasn't limited to him—it reflected the entire AC Milan squad.
Why?
Because AC Milan relied on a counterattacking style.
Or more precisely, Ancelotti's Christmas Tree formation was never an outstanding tactic. It was essentially a counterattacking setup that matched Milan's squad.
So, how effective was it?
It wasn't revolutionary, but it brought out the best in Kaka and allowed Pirlo to shine.
Kaka's pace on the counterattack was amplified, which became especially evident in the Champions League.
But in Serie A, AC Milan was a powerhouse. Opposing teams often played defensively against them, which made their attacking struggles more obvious.
Against such deep defensive lines, Kaka's advantage was greatly reduced.
So the question is, with Real Madrid's status, will their tactical environment resemble Milan's Champions League matches, or their Serie A ones? Under those circumstances, how much could Kaka contribute?
In AC Milan, he was the focal point of their counterattack. But at Real Madrid?
They had Ronaldo, Di María, even Benzema and Higuaín as options!
At AC Milan, Ancelotti's tactics revolved around him. But at Real Madrid?
Things got even worse when Kaka made a major misstep—he insisted on playing in the South Africa World Cup while carrying an injury.
Many of his fans accused Mourinho of making a fuss or sidelining Kaka unfairly, especially after Özil's arrival. But that wasn't the case at all.
That critical injury nearly ended Kaka's career. After his return, he looked like a rusty machine. His movements were stiff. He couldn't accelerate after stopping the ball or turning. He couldn't change pace or direction while dribbling.
It's easy to imagine: when an attacker like Kaka loses the ability to accelerate and change pace or direction, what's left?
The answer is obvious—nothing.
Because that's how he built his career!
At that moment, the whole world knew—Kaka was finished!
The World Player of the Year, who left countless fans with beautiful memories, would never return!
…
One of the issues Gao Shen faced upon taking over Real Madrid was Kaka.
Back in Cheshire, he had a long discussion with Florentino.
The best solution? Sell him. It would be simple, direct, and effective. Cut the losses.
But Florentino still hoped Gao Shen could help Kaka.
Back then, Kaka turned down a massive contract from Manchester City and waited six months to join Real Madrid. Florentino remembered that loyalty.
Even if it meant spending a fortune just to show respect, they couldn't let a star down.
Since 2009, Real Madrid had already shown considerable patience with Kaka.
With such expectations from the club president, Gao Shen and his staff could only promise to do their best.
Helping Kaka transform had now become a top priority.
First, they had to minimize injuries.
During training, Buenaventura and Pintus designed a personalized physical conditioning program for Kaka to help reduce his risk of injury.
Based on the summer training camp results, Kaka's physical recovery had gone well. But it was impossible for him to return to his previous level.
His speed, explosiveness, and physical strength were all gone.
Especially considering he was already 30 years old.
Gao Shen, Valdano, the coaching staff, and the technical team had held several meetings about Kaka's transformation. Gao Shen had also communicated with him multiple times to understand his perspective. They eventually settled on a direction.
Kaka still had his technique, passing, vision, tactical awareness, and rhythm. But his speed, explosiveness, and agility were essentially gone. This meant he needed to reinvent himself as a midfield playmaker, functioning more as a supporting attacker and organizer.
But Real Madrid's current tactical setup didn't include a traditional number 10. And it was impossible to fit Kaka into that role without limiting the flexibility of the front three.
Even if he were to shift into midfield, Real Madrid employed a single defensive midfielder system. The two central midfielders played crucial roles. If Kaka wanted even a rotational or substitute role, he needed to earn it with performances.
That meant better running, fitness, and defensive work rate...
In short—it was extremely difficult!
After the pre-season and several friendlies, Gao Shen and the coaching staff had come to a shared conclusion.
…
After returning from the US, Gao Shen had a very in-depth talk with Kaka. He laid out all the issues, challenges, and difficulties openly.
Over the past weeks, Gao Shen and the staff had been working to help him. Kaka could feel it.
But transformation was incredibly hard.
Looking at football history, how many players had failed in their attempts to change roles?
If it were easy, why would so many fall short after serious injuries?
Kaka had been trying, but Gao Shen felt it was time to put everything on the table and let Kaka decide for himself.
"This is the situation," Gao Shen said. "I can only tell you that transformation is a very, very difficult path. We don't know if it'll work. And at 30 years old, even if it does, given your current physical condition, we're not particularly optimistic about how long it can last."
If he were a few years younger, it would be worth giving everything. But at 30, with his body as it was, how many years could he realistically play?
Even if he succeeded, he might only play for two or three more years before retiring. Was it worth it?
Instead of struggling like that, why not retire gracefully? With his Ballon d'Or legacy, he could enjoy life, play a few games a season, or move to leagues like the MLS or UAE to cash in and prepare for retirement.
Wouldn't that be a better path?
This was the reality.
Kaka wore a gloomy expression. He understood.
In the friendlies, Gao Shen had given him many chances. But once the intensity rose, he couldn't keep up.
His body couldn't match his mind anymore. He had tried hard to change, but it was too difficult.
Yet if he truly gave up now and ended his career relying only on past achievements, he couldn't accept that.
He had once been the best footballer in the world.
Even Ronaldo and Messi had looked up to him!
He had reached such heights—how could he accept such a fall?
He still had his pride and dignity!
Yes, choosing to play in the South Africa World Cup was a mistake.
But at the time, he really believed he could push through. He wanted to fight for his country. He never imagined it would cost him so much.
So for the past two years, no matter how many people criticized him, he never talked back—because he knew he deserved it.
But he truly didn't want to end his career this way.
It would become his biggest regret.
Both paths in front of him were painful. Kaka didn't know which to choose—and no one could decide for him.
He had to make the choice himself!
"I understand, Boss. No matter what, I'm truly grateful for your help and care during this time."
Kaka spoke sincerely.
If he chose to give up, then what reason would he have to stay at Real Madrid?
"Think it over. I'll support you either way," Gao Shen said calmly.
For someone at Kaka's level, the last thing he wanted was sympathy or pity.
The Brazilian nodded, stood up, and walked toward the door.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly stopped and turned back.
"Boss, if it were you... what would you choose?"
(To be continued.)
***
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