Brazilian midfielder Kaká missed Orlando City’s season opener against Real Salt Lake due to a thigh injury. Despite the star player’s absence from the match, Head Coach Adrian Heath praised Kaká in a recent interview for bringing more to the club than just his ability to perform on the field.



Even when Kaká isn’t on the pitch, Coach Heath says that he is making a difference as a role model. With so many young players on Orlando City’s roster, it is important that they have someone to look up to. Last year, Orlando City was one of the youngest clubs in MLS, with the average player age at 24.5. At the age of 33, Kaká brings with him a wealth of experience, both on and off the pitch.



“For our younger guys, to have somebody that they’ve actually grown up watching… to be in the same locker room with him… and they watch and see how he behaves, see how he handles himself, see how he works and looks after his body… is incredible for them,” Coach Heath said. “And I tell them all the time, if you want to be a top class player, you want to make a name for yourself in this game, just look at him.”



While Kaká didn’t play in Sunday’s game, he was there to cheer his teammates on in through to the final seconds. As Adrian Winter walked into the locker room, Kaká was there to greet him with a hug and an elated smile. And now Kaká is back in the gym, working as hard as he can and helping the others along.



“He does everything right,” Coach Heath said. “He’s a leader.”