The Selecao have lost a wise head with the Ballon d'Or-winner's injury, but gained the flexibility and verve of the in-form Liverpool star.
Every great team needs an on-field leader. An idol, a craque. From Pele to Zico, Romario to Ronaldo, five-time world champion Brazil has certainly had its fair share. Current coach Dunga now has captain Neymar, officially recognized as the third-best player on the planet this year.
But before Ney, in Dunga’s first spell on the Selecao bench between 2006 and 2010, he had Kaka. The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner became the reference point for the rest of the squad and for the entire nation.