This world-renowned player is a jewel in the Brazilian team. He is undoubtedly one of the best strikers of all times. He is known for his speed, dribbling ability and scoring instincts. He is known as one of the best players in the history of football.
He has been voted the FIFA World Player of the year thrice. Seeing his record-breaking performances over the years, he has been nicknamed 'The Phenomenon'.
He was born in Bento Ribeiro. When he was 15 years old he was playing for Belo Horizonte side, Cruzeiro. Since then he has never looked back. At the age of 17, a successful term with Cruzerio helped him earn a spot in Brazil's 1994 FIFA World Cup USA squad. Then he joined the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. He played in 13 matches and scored an unbelievable 42 goals. Later he joined Barcelona in 1996 and scored 34 goals in one season.
Ronaldo began his career as a fully established first-team player in the year 1998. He was with Inter-Milan and played the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Unfortunately the Brazilians lost to the French hosts 3-0 in the finals. On the morning of the final, the striker suffered a fit, which ruled him out of the match. This moment led to a very disturbing phase of the Brazilian striker's career.
Then in November, 1999 during a Serie A match against Lecce suffered a grave knee injury. He made a comeback against Lazio on 12th April, 2000. Unfortunately he twisted his knee again. Many felt that it might be a big blow to his career.
But this happy-go-lucky player did not give up. He came back playing against Romanian club Brasov in a UEFA Cup match in Trieste. Ronaldo gradually proved that there was a lot left for him to show to the world.
In the year 2002, he joined real Madrid. Later Brazilian Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called him to join Brazil's FIFA World Cup squad. Ronaldo was the top scorer of the tournament, scoring eight goals in only seven games. The Brazilian team shined again and Brazil won their fifth FIFA World Cup title.
Ronaldo also enjoys the honour of getting to share the same dias as Pele for scoring 12 goals for Brazil in the competition's history.
This FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo will be looking to surpass the figure of 12 to break Gerd Muller's long stading 14-goal record. Brazilian soccer fans are hopeful that he will add the record of being the top-scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
He is definitely a player to watch this FIFA season.
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