Real Madrid: Stop comparing Reinier Jesus to Kaká

Real Madrid have sent the teenage talent to the Bundesliga, where he will be spending two seasons on loan with Borussia Dortmund.

Former Real Madrid player Kaká is one of the best players in the history of Brazil. His sheer tenacity, surreal magic with the ball, the ability to turn the game around, and getting fans up from their seats make him one of the most lovable footballers ever. His grace and charisma was just something else. Heck, we are talking about a Ballon d’Or recipient.

Twelve years after Kaká won his first and only Ballon d’Or, a 17-year-old wonder kid was taking the Brazilian Serie A by storm due to his exploits with Flamengo. That player is the immensely talented attacking midfielder Reinier Jesus, who has been applauded for showcasing maturity way beyond his age and striking comparisons with one of the finest Brazilians players to ever grace the game, Kaká.

Reaping the rewards of having a scout like Juni Calafat keeping an eye on the best young talent in Brazil, Real Madrid were able to sign Reinier Jesus for €30 million. His arrival created a lot of buzz since he was compared to the legendary Kaká by the Spanish media, something which hasn’t stopped to this day. What also doesn’t help is that Kaká played for Real Madrid.

Whenever a young player bursts on to the scene, it’s natural to liken that player to someone who had a similar playing style. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a player like Reinier – quick with the feet, nimble footwork, a powerful shot, and a strong build – is compared to Kaká.

Reinier doesn’t want the Kaká comparisons

Reinier, however, believes that he shouldn’t be looked at as the next Kaká, but rather as the first Reinier.

In an interview with Borussia Dortmund’s own media, Reinier asserted,

"“I don’t want to be a Kaká, I want to be Reinier. It’s good to be compared to a player like that, but I want to show who I am.”"

These are zealous statements by Reinier ahead of the start of the new season.

Well, I just want to put forth my thoughts about Reinier. I haven’t seen him play enough to comment on whether the comparisons with a player of the magnitude of Kaká are justifiable. But Reinier is surely one to watch out for in the future, as he has the potential to make a name for himself and set an example for future generations.

Comparing a young player with a legend is not only wrong; the tag carries a certain amount of expectation with it which young players can easily succumb to. Failing to deliver at those levels can badly hurt a player’s confidence, and hence could take the player’s career on a completely different path.

It’s best to judge a player based on what he can do rather than what other players have done in the past. Lionel Messi wasn’t the next Diego Maradona. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t the next Luis Figo. Neymar wasn’t the next Ronaldinho. And Reinier Jesus is definitely not the next Kaká, because he wants to become Reinier, and he will become Reinier.