Ronaldo Nazário Icon
O Fenômeno: A Brazilian legend who redefined the striker role.
via Wikipedia: Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer) · see source
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (born 18 September 1976), mononymously known as Ronaldo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is the former owner and president of La Liga 2 club Real Valladolid. Nicknamed O Fenômeno and R9, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. As a multi-functional striker who brought a new dimension to the position, Ronaldo has been an influence for the following generation of strikers. His individual accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and winning two Ballon d'Or awards.
Quick Facts
- Character
- Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima
- Affiliation
- Brazil
- Barcelona
- Inter Milan
- Real Madrid
- Corinthians
- Status
- Retired Legend
Lore & Background
Ronaldo started his career at Cruzeiro and moved to PSV in 1994. He joined Barcelona in 1996 for a then world record transfer fee and at 20 years old, he was named the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year, making him the youngest recipient of the award. In 1997, Inter Milan broke the world record fee to sign Ronaldo, making him the first player since Diego Maradona to break the world transfer record twice. At 21, he received the 1997 Ballon d'Or and remains the youngest recipient of the award. By the age of 23, Ronaldo had scored over 200 goals for club and country. However, after a series of knee injuries and recuperation, he was inactive for almost three years. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2002 and won the 2002–03 La Liga title. He had spells at AC Milan and Corinthians before retiring in 2011, having suffered further injuries.
Reader's Guide
Ronaldo played for Brazil in 98 matches, scoring 62 goals and is the third-highest goalscorer for his national team. At age 17, he was the youngest member of the Brazilian squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo received the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament after he helped Brazil reach the final, where he suffered a convulsive fit hours before kick-off. This achievement, viewed as 'redemption' for what occurred at the previous World Cup, saw Ronaldo named the 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year, receive the 2002 Ballon d'Or, and for his return from injury, won the Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year. He also won the 1997 Copa América, where he became the player of the tournament and the 1999 Copa América, where he was the top goalscorer.
Did You Know?
- He scored his 15th World Cup goal in 2006, a tournament record at the time.
- Ronaldo became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in September 2018, buying 51% of the club's shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What achievements are highlighted on his card?
The card showcases his status as a two-time World Cup champion and the youngest winner of the Ballon d'Or in history. It also notes his three FIFA World Player of the Year awards which define his elite career.
Which teams are associated with this Icon?
His kit options typically feature Brazil alongside major European clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. This reflects his successful stints across different leagues before retiring at Corinthians.
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