There is no doubt that since Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero left the A-League almost two years ago the competition has gone backwards in regards to worldwide exposure and attention.
The standard of play in the A-League improves with every passing season but the competition’s need for a new star also becomes direr as time goes on.
The situation appeared to be remedied when David Villa signed for Melbourne City, but when he departed prematurely and the deal involving Frank Lampard never happened the A-League was left without a major drawcard to fill stadiums.
Only someone who has achieved as much as a Del Piero, Villa or Lampard can put the A-League back on the global sporting landscape. In recent times many rumours have circulated, most notably including the likes of Andrea Pirlo, David Trezeguet and Ronaldinho.
The latest name to enter the conversation is Ricardo Kaka.
The Brazilian jetted into Melbourne over the weekend to engage in some sightseeing and Australian activities. Sources from Melbourne stated that Kaka seemed to be enjoying the city and its cultural diversity as he was spotted on Lygon Street at the popular Dolcetti restaurant.
Could the Australian lifestyle be luring another member of world football’s royal family?
There can be no doubt that the Brazilian’s arrival Down Under will instigate transfer discussions and ambitions throughout all A-League clubs.
However Kaka, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, won’t prove an easy signing.
The Brazilian, who inspired AC Milan to Champions League glory and won the 2002 World Cup, currently receives an annual salary of approximately US$7 million from the MLS franchise Orlando City. It would take something special for any of the A-League clubs to put together a tempting offer.
However, the possibility of a summer stint during the MLS off-season would serve to draw global attention back onto the A-League and may also serve to bring the league’s unsettled fans back to the stadiums.
The only clubs that would have realistic chance of affording the Brazilian would be Melbourne City, Sydney FC or perhaps Melbourne Victory.
Yet there is no doubt that if Kaka were to grace Australian football pitches, his flair and samba-like style of play would bring joy to all those who return to the stadiums.
Mark Grauso
Guest
The writer sprouts on how signing Kaka will draw 'global attention' back onto the A league.... Would that be just like his signing at Orlando City drew 'global attention' to the MLS...? I did not even now that's where he ended up playing if it wasn't for this article.
AGO74
Guest
Sydney FC have 5 home games between December 26 and Feb 20 which would put Kaka back with Orlando 2-3 weeks before their season starts. A lot of those games tie in well with school holidays. It'd be good if it happened....
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Melb City, need to sit down with the FFA and nut out a way to get these big names here on the park. The marquee player payment needs to be reviewed, perhaps allowing a third party contribution as well.
FIUL
Guest
It's worth noting th 4 matches MelbCity have won this season have been against the bottom 3 teams: CCM (twice), AUFC & Perth. When they played the teams near the top - they've lost to MV & WSW. Not saying MelbCity are not going to be challenging for trophies. But, so far, they've choked when they're playing crunch matches. The Derby in 2 weeks should be a beauty.
AZ_RBB
Guest
But it could be a timely boost. January/February is often the toughest time for the ALeague as cricket and tennis are at their peak and we're too far from finals for there to be massive hype around games. 5/6 games amidst the Aus Open and Big Bash? Might just work wonders!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Was that the match against the Mariners? I too liked that Jersey. I made a bold prediction City would finish first this season and I'm still very confident that can happen. Though Wanderers and Roar have surprised me greatly. The level has gone up another level. All we need is Glory and Mariners and Adelaide to get a few wins under the belt to make this season even more tense and mouthwatering.
Cameron
Roar Guru
For 5 to 6 matches I don't think that would be enough time for things to take off.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Random but how nice were City's away jerseys the other night? The blue writing on the back kind of ruined it but otherwise they were tops!
Nicholas De Pasquale
Roar Pro
The league needs a new star, that buzz around the league when the likes of Del Piero and Ono were here has gone. Kaka would be a hit here
Cameron
Roar Guru
ADP coming back to assist the A-League?
Cameron
Roar Guru
Feels like Sunday for me. Shift work and holidays can do that to you haha.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Might not have Kaka at Parra Stadium but you will have Kaks who is an obvious upgrade
Punter
Guest
Gerrard is in town in January for allstars game!!!!
Perry Bridge
Guest
All that and you want Kaka too. (yeah....pretty feeble, but for a Monday morning it's the best I can muster).
At work
Roar Rookie
Doesn't the league need something like a Kaka signing, even if only on a short-term guest stint at the moment!
Footballfrother
Guest
It's a question we've all pondered! That being said Kaka has always been a very humble and spiritual player so hopefully he has the desire to come here and do good things on and off the pitch
Towser
Guest
Kaka an instant icing on the cake, cant go wrong if we keep the icing there. However on the flipside it must be frustrating for an organisation like the CFG to be restricted by the FFA's salary cap restrictions. Here we have a mega-rich investor in our league ,but we tell them they can only buy a few karaoke singer from Revesby Workers club instead of a few rock stars. Surely there's a way that we can allow a club that can, to be able to do.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Sydney Derby at Parra on 16 Jan. Kaka at Parra Stadium! What a time to be alive (possibly) haha
Nicholas De Pasquale
Roar Pro
Well according to one of the comments there should be big news in January... Exciting times
Nicholas De Pasquale
Roar Pro
yes I agree city would be the front runners if a deal was drawn up but I can't discount Sydney fc... The harbour city would also be a great place for him to be based