Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 1-17: The Best of the Best

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Kaka, Orlando City
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 17: Kaka #10 of the Orlando City Lions vs New England Revolution at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on April 17, 2016. (Photo by Chris McEniry/Getty Images) /

5. Kaka, Orlando City

The most recognizable figure in Orlando City is still the MLS’s highest paid player. Kaka is both the center of attention and a lightning rod for criticism. Yet, he remains the big draw for the team and someone who can do things no other player on the roster can do for Orlando City.

Kaka is not the player he was even when he arrived in Orlando City three years ago. and he has hardly delivered on his big salary or for his team. Yet, he is still Kaka. He is still the former FIFA world player of the year. And when he has the ball at his feet, magic is still likely to happen.

But this season has become a flash point on Kaka.

The team has struggled — and played well while he missed time at the beginning of the season. And Kaka has struggled with them. He has scored only four goals and leads the team with five assists. His distribution remains important for the team. But the team’s goal drought and struggles offensively still fall on him.

Making matters worse, his frustration on the field is plainly obvious. He looks to the officials more and more these days and he does not seem to support his teammates in these moments. That frustration from the team captain has infiltrated the team as frustration has grown this year.

Kaka is the man everyone looks at and points to. He is the team captain, after all.

Kaka’s tenure with Orlando City is seemingly coming to a flashpoint this offseason. Kaka’s contract is through at the end of the year. It seems if Kaka wants to return, Orlando City will welcome him back. He has a close relationship with Orlando City owner Flavio Da Silva.

It feels like it is time for Orlando City to move on and find an identity without Kaka (he certainly has not produced up to his contract). But the question is will they depart with their most famous player?