Born on 22 April 1982, married on 23 December 2005, Ballon d’Or winner on 2 December 2007, and today another memorable day for Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos Leite: 30 June 2009, the day Kaka was presented as the newest player of Real Madrid.

ANTICIPATED UNVEILING

He was the first player signed following the arrival of new President Florentino Perez. On Tuesday at 20:30 CET, Madridismo will witness an event that is just the beginning of the new project fans have been clamoring about. It will be a huge party with thousands of spectators on hand at the Santiago Bernabeu to celebrate the arrival of Kaka.

ARRIVAL IN MADRID

Real Madrid’s new player flew in from South Africa, where on Sunday he was proclaimed champion of the Confederations Cup and named MVP of the tournament. Accompanied by his father, Kaka appeared with an ear to ear grin on his face. After a brief stop at the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, the footballer was taken to Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, where at 9:30 he underwent a complete medical checkup.

PERFECT BILL OF HEALTH

Kaka’s first stop was Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, where he arrived at 9:30 accompanied by his father. He underwent the required medical checkup including blood and urine samples, an electrocardiogram, an echo, an MRI, a thorough locomotor test and x-rays. “Today’s tests confirmed that the player is in perfect condition to play top-class football,” stated Carlos Diez, Chief of Real Madrid’s Medical Services.

FIRST CONTACT WITH FANS

Kaka was stunned by a large group of fans as he exited the hospital after his medical checkup. A swarm had gathered to welcome the new Madridista and express their support on such a special day. The player approached the fans to thank them and didn’t hesitate to sign autographs and take pictures. It was a nice gesture on behalf of the the footballer, who is already getting a good feel of the passion felt for his new team.

UNPRECEDENTED GLOBAL EXPECTATION

Thousands of fans will fill the stands of the Santiago Bernabeu to witness Kaka’s first steps as a Madridista. But also on hand for the presentation will be hundreds of media outlets from every corner of the planet in order to cover the event that has generated so much hype and expectation. Over 170 press agencies requested accreditation to cover the presentation of Kaka. Press agencies, sports newspapers, general newspapers, and radio and television stations from around the world will be reporting on the event.

SANTIAGO BERNABEU VISIT & FIRST INTERVIEW

After completing his medical, Kaka swung by the Santiago Bernabeu for his first look at his new stadium. With grand admiration the Brazilian looked over the pitch from the Presidential Balcony. Kaka expressed interest in the methods being used to lay the new turf and took the time to greet several club employees. Following a brief tour, Kaka sat down for his first interview with Realmadrid TV as a Madridista prior to having lunch in one of the Bernabeu’s restaurants with his father and Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano.

REST AT THE HOTEL BEFORE THE PRESENTATION

After lunch, Kaka returned to his hotel to rest before the presentation, but a smile never left his face despite the exhaustion. He posed for the cameras of RealmadridTV and Realmadrid.com on the hotel terrace.

RETURN TO THE STADIUM

Kaka entered the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for the second time today to sign his contract and be officially presented as the Club’s new player. The Brazilian met the Board Members prior to signing his contract in the Board Room. He also met Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano.

SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT

Kaka entered the Board Room at 19:45 to sign his contract with Real Madrid, which will keep him at the Club for six seasons. President Florentino Perez, Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano, Director General Jorge Valdano and the entire Board of Directors accompanied the Brazilian.

PRESENTATION

The moment we’ve all been waiting for finally happened. Surrounded by a spectacular backdrop, Kaka was unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Thousands of fans filled the stands for the first look at the Brazilian superstar. Kaka looked extremely appreciative for the confidence and affection shown.

PRESS CONFERENCE

With the presentation all wrapped up, Kaka held his first press conference in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu. Jorge Valdano first commented that Fernando Gago decided to change his shirt for the number ’5′ to give number ’8′ to the Brazilian. In an extensive press conference, Kaka highlighted Real Madrid’s “sporting project.” He said it was a “privilege to play with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Casillas and Guti” and that the team’s goal is to “recover the spotlight in Spain and Europe.”