Who will succeed Kaka?

Written by Nicholas Savage , 30.11.2009

The history of the Samba Gold trophy began last year, 2008 with Kaka victorious, while playing for AC Milan. There could not have been a more fitting name engraved on the inaugural trophy. A year has passed the time for succession has come and its up to you to decide! Who was the best Brazilian player in Europe in 2009? Voting will continue throughout the month.

The year 2009 was beautiful, even more beautiful than in 2008 for the Brazilian's in Europe ... and, hopefully, in 2010 the level will rise further, with the World Cup in South Africa. The time is perfect for the second edition of the Samba Gold, created to honour the Brazilians who shine in Europe. Our site aims tries to honour a category of footballer who has brought so much to the continent and its clubs. Last year, the finalists were an awesome trio - 1st Kaka, 2nd Robinho and 3rd Luis Fabiano.

Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho, the podium of the year



The voters spoke but since then Kaka has left Milan, where he promised he wanted to spend his career. At a time when the value of talent is counted by the number of zeros on the cheque, Kaka is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Zidane in the history of the largest transfer. Luis Fabiano, received the title of top scorer in the Confederations Cup. Robinho? The biggest clubs want him. 
Who you going to vote for the in 2009 edition? Who do you think was the best ambassador of football in Europe that we love so much? A list of thirty names are eligible for your vote. All are great, in fact, many are also nominated for other prestigious awards such as the "Ballon d'Or" of France Football, "Onze d'Or", the magazine Onze Mondial. But for us it is Brazilian soccer that we dream about: it is romantic, seductive and has an artistic beauty like no other.

The contingent is now stronger



In 2009, they were solid. The Confederations Cup win proved their ability, qualification for South Africa was straight forward, and first place in FIFA's world rankings. Brazil continues to dominate world football and Europe continues to import their stars. This year a fresh wave of talent has made the transatlantic move such as Ramires at Benfica. Others within the continent, went from one league to another without losing their talent such as Diego from Bremen to Turin. 
On the other hand, from one year to another, some have left dropped as nominees, Adriano, who returned home to find his inspiration. In all major countries, the clubs have given responsibility to Brazilian players. In France (Bastos), Italy (Ronaldinho ), Greece (Gilberto Silva), Germany (Naldo), Spain (Kaka), Turkey (Andre Santos), England (Robinho), Portugal (Hulk), Russia (Alex) and Ukraine (Fernandinho).

All ages, all positions

What stands out most in the Samba Gold trophy 2009 is the versatility of the players named. Traditionally the Brazilian's were only seen as attackers. But now even Italian teams like Inter Milan, swear by their Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, and hired Lucio to shore up their back four. Meanwhile, the killer instinct of Felipe Melo is valued at Juventus and the creative genius of Kaka is applauded, the eye forgoal Luis Fabiano of Sevilla FC. 
Pato (Milan), the eternal youth by Ze Roberto (Hamburg) the South Americans have high quality, many play in Dunga's squad, others are strong candidates, none are anonymous in their new adopted country. So which one deserves the reward? The Samba Gold trophy needs you to vote for the best. Kaka opened the awards and his successor - or can he retain the trophy? - must have that high standard and ability, to be deemed the Samba Gold winner 2009!

>> Start voting now for your favourite players!


>> Read more:

:: Who will win the 2009 Samba Gold?
:: The Thirty Player List