Kaká Called Up for Brazil’s September Friendlies

Orlando City midfielder Kaká has been called up to the Brazilian senior national team for two friendlies in September.

The Seleção will face CONCACAF foes Costa Rica on September 5 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and the United States on September 8 at Foxborough Stadium in Massachusetts.

Former and current Brazilian head coach Dunga, who took over the role following last year's disappointing World Cup for the five time champions, called up the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year last October for a pair friendlies against Japan and arch rivals Argentina in Beijing, China.

The star player was controversially left off of Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup roster. This year, he was named to Brazil's provisional roster for the 2015 Copa America but was not selected as one of the final 23.

The veteran midfielder will take the place of 23-year-old Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho. Dunga has explained this decision by stating, "We need experience, not just youngsters."

Kaká was a member of Brazil's 2002 FIFA World Cup winning team in South Korea/Japan that beat Germany in the final. He would go on to win the FIFA Confederations Cup with his home nation in 2005 and 2009, the latter of which he also took home the golden ball as the tournament's best player.

The 33-year-old joined Orlando City in 2014 from AC Milan in Italy for its inaugural MLS season this year. He was named captain of the team by head coach Adrian Heath shortly before the season began.

The call-up will force the midfielder to miss the Lions' Sept. 5 clash with the New England Revolution at Foxborough Stadium — a crucial battle in the Eastern Conference playoff race. It will be the third game he's missed this season. Previously he was out for the July 11 game against FC Dallas due to a red card suspension and the Aug. 5 loss to Toronto FC due to injury.

Kaká currently has received 89 caps for Brazil and has represented his country in the last three FIFA World Cups.

Full Roster:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Grêmio), Alisson (Internacional)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Danilo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luís (Atlético Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético-MG), Miranda (Inter Milan), David Luiz (PSG), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Elias (Corinthians), Ramires (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Oscar (Chelsea), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Willian (Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos), Kaká (Orlando City)

Forwards: Neymar (Barcelona), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Lucas (PSG), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg)