to treat with affection, as would be an embrace or kiss, especially a light stroking or touching.

Link to present incidents:
The Bayern Munich forward enjoyed the finest moment of his career by scoring a goal fit to win any match, let alone a World Cup final. He sweetly caressed the ball on his chest when receiving Schurrle's perfect pass before swivelling and volleying past Sergio Romero. What a beauty! (BBC)
The same moment as described by another journalist: Gotze demonstrated perfect technique and commendable calm to chest down Andre Schurrle's pass and sweep in a left-foot finish with the prospect of a penalty shootout only seven minutes away. (BBC, Phil McNulty)