Discover the incredible journey of Ronaldo Nazário, from his early days in Brazil to becoming one of football's greatest legends. Explore his biography, key facts, career milestones, and achievements, including World Cup triumphs and record-breaking performances.

Ronaldo Nazario - Facts & Biography

Ronaldo Nazario Facts

Early Life

Full Name: Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima

Date of Birth: September 18, 1976

Birthplace: Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Early Interest: Played futsal and street football; joined Social Ramos Club at age 12

Early Career

1993: Joined Cruzeiro at age 16, scoring 12 goals in 14 games

1993: Won the Copa do Brasil with Cruzeiro

Move to Europe

1994: Transferred to PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands

Scored 54 goals in 57 games over two seasons

Barcelona

1996: Signed with Barcelona for a then-world record fee of $19.5 million

Scored 47 goals in 49 games in one season

Won Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup

Awarded FIFA World Player of the Year (1996)

 Inter Milan

1997: Transferred to Inter Milan for another record fee

Scored 34 goals in 47 appearances in his debut season

Won the UEFA Cup in 1998

1999: Suffered a severe knee injury (ruptured tendon)

2000: Suffered another major knee injury on comeback

International Career

1994: Part of Brazil's World Cup-winning squad (did not play)

1998: Led Brazil to the World Cup final, scoring four goals (lost to France). Suffered a pre-final convulsion

2002: Led Brazil to World Cup victory, scoring eight goals (including two in the final). Won the Golden Boot

2006: Played in his fourth World Cup, scored three goals (became all-time top scorer in World Cup history at that time with 15 goals)

Real Madrid

2002: Joined Real Madrid as part of the Galácticos era

Scored 104 goals in 177 appearances over five seasons

Won La Liga (2002-03, 2006-07), Supercopa de España, and Intercontinental Cup

Won his second Ballon d'Or (2002)

Later Career

2007: Transferred to AC Milan

Scored 9 goals in 20 appearances; suffered another serious knee injury

2009: Returned to Brazil, signing with Corinthians

Won Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil (2009)

2011: Retired from professional football

Post-Retirement

2018: Became the majority owner of Spanish football club Real Valladolid

Engagements: Worked as a football pundit, invested in business ventures, and engaged in philanthropic activities

Honors and Achievements

FIFA World Player of the Year: 1996, 1997, 2002

Ballon d'Or: 1997, 2002

European Golden Shoe: 1996-97

World Cup Golden Boot: 2002

World Cup Silver Ball: 1998

UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 1998

Ronaldo's career was marked by exceptional talent, numerous accolades, and a remarkable comeback from serious injuries, solidifying his legacy as one of football's greatest players. 0 0 0.

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Ronaldo Nazário Biography

Early Life and Background

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, was born on September 18, 1976, in Bento Ribeiro, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a modest family; his father, Nélio Nazário de Lima, and his mother, Sônia dos Santos Barata, supported the family through various small jobs. Ronaldo's early life was marked by his passion for football, a sport he began playing in the streets of Bento Ribeiro. His prodigious talent was evident from a young age, and by the time he was 12, Ronaldo was playing for the local futsal team, Social Ramos Club, where he developed his remarkable ball control and dribbling skills.

Early Career

Cruzeiro

Ronaldo's professional career began in 1993 when he signed with Cruzeiro, a top-tier Brazilian club, at the age of 16. His impact was immediate, scoring 12 goals in 14 games and helping the team to win the Copa do Brasil in 1993. His performances caught the attention of European scouts, and soon, he was on his way to Europe.

Move to Europe

PSV Eindhoven

In 1994, Ronaldo signed with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Despite being just 17 years old, he quickly became one of the most feared strikers in the Eredivisie. He scored 54 goals in 57 games over two seasons, a remarkable record that showcased his scoring prowess and attracted the interest of bigger European clubs.

Barcelona

In 1996, Ronaldo moved to FC Barcelona for a then-world record transfer fee of $19.5 million. During his single season with Barcelona, Ronaldo's impact was nothing short of phenomenal. He scored 47 goals in 49 games across all competitions, including an unforgettable goal against SD Compostela where he dribbled past several defenders. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1996.

Inter Milan and Injury Woes

In 1997, Ronaldo transferred to Inter Milan for another record fee. His debut season was successful, scoring 34 goals in 47 appearances and winning the UEFA Cup in 1998. However, his time at Inter was marred by severe injuries. In November 1999, he suffered a serious knee injury, rupturing a tendon. After a long recovery, he returned to the field only to suffer another devastating knee injury in April 2000, which kept him out of the game for nearly two years.

International Career

1994 World Cup

Ronaldo was part of the Brazil squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, although he did not play in any matches. His potential was recognized, and he was included in the squad as a future star.

1998 World Cup

Ronaldo led Brazil to the final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Despite scoring four goals during the tournament, Brazil lost 3-0 to France in the final. Ronaldo's mysterious pre-match convulsion, which affected his performance in the final, remains one of the most talked-about incidents in World Cup history.

2002 World Cup

Ronaldo's redemption came in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. After his lengthy battle with injuries, he returned to the international stage with a vengeance, scoring eight goals in the tournament, including two in the final against Germany, leading Brazil to its fifth World Cup title. He won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.

2006 World Cup

Ronaldo played in his fourth World Cup in 2006, held in Germany. Despite Brazil's quarter-final exit, Ronaldo scored three goals, surpassing Gerd Müller's record to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history at that time, with 15 goals (later surpassed by Miroslav Klose in 2014).

Real Madrid: Galácticos Era

In 2002, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid as part of the club's Galácticos era, which included stars like Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and David Beckham. Ronaldo continued to impress, scoring 104 goals in 177 appearances over five seasons. He won the La Liga title in 2002-03 and received his second Ballon d'Or in 2002.

Later Career

AC Milan

In 2007, Ronaldo returned to Milan, this time with AC Milan. However, injuries continued to plague his career, and he managed to score only 9 goals in 20 appearances before suffering another serious knee injury in 2008.

Corinthians

In 2009, Ronaldo returned to Brazil, signing with Corinthians. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he helped the team win the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil in 2009. Ronaldo retired from professional football in February 2011, citing his body's limitations due to injuries and hypothyroidism.

Post-Retirement and Legacy

Since retiring, Ronaldo has remained active in the football world and beyond. He has worked as a football pundit, invested in various business ventures, and engaged in philanthropic activities. In 2018, he became the majority owner of Real Valladolid, a Spanish football club.

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Known for his incredible dribbling, speed, and finishing ability, he was a complete forward who could score in a variety of ways. His career, though plagued by injuries, was filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments. Ronaldo's influence on the game and his inspirational comeback from serious injuries have cemented his legacy as a true legend of football.

Honors and Achievements

Copa do Brasil: 1993

KNVB Cup: 1995-96

Copa del Rey: 1996-97

Supercopa de España: 1996

UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1996-97

UEFA Cup: 1997-98

La Liga: 2002-03, 2006-07

Supercopa de España: 2003

Intercontinental Cup: 2002

Campeonato Paulista: 2009

Copa do Brasil: 2009

FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002

Copa América: 1997, 1999

FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997

FIFA World Player of the Year: 1996, 1997, 2002

Ballon d'Or: 1997, 2002

European Golden Shoe: 1996-97

World Cup Golden Boot: 2002

World Cup Silver Ball: 1998

UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 1998

Ronaldo's journey from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to the pinnacle of world football is a testament to his extraordinary talent, determination, and resilience. His story continues to inspire future generations of footballers and fans around the globe. 0 0 0.

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FAQs About Ronaldo Nazário

What is Ronaldo Nazário's full name?

Ronaldo Nazário's full name is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.

When and where was Ronaldo Nazário born?

Ronaldo was born on September 18, 1976, in Bento Ribeiro, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What positions did Ronaldo Nazário play?

Ronaldo primarily played as a striker, known for his incredible dribbling, speed, and finishing abilities.

Which clubs did Ronaldo Nazário play for during his career?

Ronaldo played for several clubs during his career, including Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians.

How many goals did Ronaldo Nazário score in his professional career?

Ronaldo scored a total of 414 goals in 616 appearances across all clubs and international competitions.

What major injuries did Ronaldo Nazário suffer?

Ronaldo suffered multiple serious knee injuries, including a ruptured tendon in 1999 and another major knee injury in 2000. These injuries significantly impacted his career.

How many FIFA World Cups did Ronaldo Nazário participate in?

Ronaldo participated in four FIFA World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.

How many goals did Ronaldo Nazário score in World Cup tournaments?

Ronaldo scored a total of 15 goals in World Cup tournaments, making him one of the top scorers in World Cup history.

What are some of Ronaldo Nazário's most significant individual awards?

Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times (1996, 1997, 2002) and the Ballon d'Or twice (1997, 2002). He also won the Golden Boot in the 2002 World Cup.

Which international titles did Ronaldo Nazário win with Brazil?

Ronaldo won the FIFA World Cup twice (1994, 2002), Copa América twice (1997, 1999), and the FIFA Confederations Cup (1997).

What achievements did Ronaldo Nazário have at club level?

Ronaldo won numerous titles at club level, including the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Barcelona, UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, and La Liga with Real Madrid.

When did Ronaldo Nazário retire from professional football?

Ronaldo retired from professional football in February 2011.

What has Ronaldo Nazário done since retiring from football?

Since retiring, Ronaldo has worked as a football pundit, invested in various business ventures, engaged in philanthropic activities, and became the majority owner of Spanish football club Real Valladolid in 2018.

Why is Ronaldo Nazário considered one of the greatest footballers of all time?

Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest due to his exceptional talent, scoring ability, dribbling skills, and his ability to come back from serious injuries to perform at the highest level. His influence on the game and numerous accolades have cemented his legacy.

What are some notable records held by Ronaldo Nazário?

Ronaldo Nazario held the record for most goals scored in World Cup history (15) until it was surpassed by Miroslav Klose in 2014. He also held the record for the highest transfer fees at the time of his moves to Barcelona and Inter Milan. 0 0 0.

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