Happy 40th birthday to Kaka - the man who walked off like a boss after World Cup red card

Kaka, who turns 40-years-old today, is one of the greatest players of his generation.

The Brazilian midfielder was just a joy to watch in his prime.

AC Milan and Real Madrid had the pleasure of calling Kaka theirs during his illustrious career, while he represented his country on 92 occasions.

The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner did his talking on the pitch. While he was one of the most recognisable sportspeople in the world, he rarely made headlines for his antics off-the-pitch. He just got on with doing what he did best – gracefully gliding around the pitch playing beautiful passes and scoring wonderful goals.

He’s one of the most universally loved footballers in recent years.

He certainly wasn’t one for tough tackles and getting sent off. But in 2010, on the biggest stage of them all, Kaka was sent off.

During Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Ivory Coast, Kaka was shown a red card after clashing with Abdul Kader Keita.

Replays showed that it was a shocking piece of play-acting from Keita but referee Stephane Lannoy gave Kaka a second yellow all the same.

Now, after picking up the first red card of your career at the World Cup – suspending you for Brazil’s next group game against Portugal – you’d be absolutely fuming, right? You’d protest the decision furiously.

But not Kaka.

While his teammates were doing just that, Kaka walked off the pitch with a smile on his face even before the referee had dished out the red card.

KAKA really got a Red Card for this ??

I think we need to appreciate the VAR a little more pic.twitter.com/FaB08CvS2s

That’s how you take being sent off like an absolute boss.

Imagine not liking Kaka. What a guy.