Jeddah: Brazilian former football star Ricardo Kaka praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its sports sector, noting that Saudi competitions are gaining growing global attention thanks to the country’s ambitious vision and professional management. He also expressed his delight at visiting Saudi Arabia, which has become a leading destination for sports and investment.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Kaka made the remarks during a panel discussion titled ‘From the Field to Global Leadership: Kaka’s Journey from Sports Icon to Investor and Global Influencer,’ held as part of Biban Forum 2025. During the session, he highlighted his distinguished career, from winning the Ballon d’Or and lifting the World Cup to his post-retirement pursuits, emphasizing that his success was driven not only by talent but also by discipline and patience, which defined his journey both on and off the field.

He spoke about his early sporting beginnings and how passion and determination drove him to overcome pressure and achieve championships. He also noted that life after retirement gave him the opportunity to focus on learning and pursue specialized courses in business and investment, which he viewed as an extension of the spirit of challenge that defined his football career.

The Brazilian star concluded his speech with a message to young people, urging them to seize the many opportunities available today and emphasizing that seriousness and discipline are the key to success and sustainability in any field.