Kaka has backed Virgil van Dijk to win the Ballon d'Or this year after helping Liverpool win the Champions League.
The Netherlands skipper was an ever-present for Jurgen Klopp 's side as they narrowly missed on the Premier League title, before putting in a man-of-the-match performance in their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur as the Reds won the European Cup for a sixth time.
With the Netherlands taking on England in the Nations League semi-finals, the 27-year-old could also lead his national side to international glory this summer.
Van Dijk 's performance this season have seen him establish himself as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or, though he still trails Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the running.
But Brazilian legend Kaka, who won the acclaimed award himself back in 2007 after leading AC Milan to Champions League glory against the Reds, wants the Liverpool star to become the first defender to win the prize since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
"We will see what happens in the future. Would I give the Ballon d’Or to Virgil van Dijk? I had some discussions talking about it with friends and with my brother and the name we chose is really his," the Brazilian told Sky Italia.
"He had a great season in the Premier League and won the Champions League playing in a crazy way.
"We’ll see what the judges will decide but it’s time to reward a defender."
