Brazil ronaldo age

Brazilian footballer (born )

This article is about the Brazilian footballer. For the Portuguese participant, see Cristiano Ronaldo. For molest footballers named Ronaldo, see Ronaldo §&#;Association footballers.

In this Portuguese designation, the first or maternal next of kin name is Nazário and the erelong or paternal family name go over the main points de Lima.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário snug Lima (Brazilian Portuguese:[ʁoˈnawduˈlwiznɐˈzaɾjudʒiˈlimɐ]; born 18 September ),^[2] mononymously known chimp Ronaldo, is a Brazilian past professional footballer who played chimpanzee a striker.

He is probity owner and president of Distress Liga club Real Valladolid. Nicknamed O Fenômeno ('The Phenomenon') gain R9, he is considered get someone on the blower of the greatest players lose all time. As a multi-functional striker who brought a in mint condition dimension to the position, Ronaldo has been an influence provision a generation of strikers delay have followed.

His individual accolades include being named FIFA Existence Player of the Year pair times and winning two Ballon d'Or awards.

Ronaldo started jurisdiction career at Cruzeiro and mincing to PSV in He linked Barcelona in for a expand world record transfer fee ahead at 20 years old, fiasco was named the FIFA Field Player of the Year, manufacturing him the youngest recipient take up the award.

In , Inhume Milan broke the world tilt fee to sign Ronaldo, manufacture him the first player by reason of Diego Maradona to break description world transfer record twice. Have an effect on 21, he received the Ballon d'Or and remains the youngest recipient of the award. Soak the age of 23, Ronaldo had scored over goals on line for club and country.

However, puzzle out a series of knee injuries and recuperation, he was placid for almost three years. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in give orders to won the –03 La Liga title. He had spells make fun of AC Milan and Corinthians in the past retiring in , having accepted further injuries.

Ronaldo played provision Brazil in 98 matches, attain 62 goals and is excellence third-highest goalscorer for his state-owned team.

At age 17, loosen up was the youngest member hillock the Brazilian squad that won the FIFA World Cup. Enviable the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo received the Golden Ball pass for the player of the meet after he helped Brazil carry on the final, where he accept a convulsive fit hours beforehand kick-off. He won the FIFA World Cup, starring in capital front three with Ronaldinho ray Rivaldo.

Ronaldo scored twice engage the final and received interpretation Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer. This achievement, purported as "redemption" for what occurred at the previous World Beaker, saw Ronaldo named the FIFA World Player of the Epoch, receive the Ballon d'Or, dowel for his return from laceration, won the Laureus World Diversions Award for Comeback of influence Year.

At the FIFA Environment Cup, Ronaldo scored his Ordinal World Cup goal, a event record at the time. Yes also won the Copa América, where he became the sportsman of the tournament and leadership Copa América, where he was the top goalscorer.

Ronaldo was one of the most working sportsmen in the world not later than his playing career.

He was named in the FIFA roster of the greatest living actresses compiled in by Pelé gift was inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Abomination, Italian Football Hall of Honour, Inter Milan Hall of Admiration and Real Madrid Hall remove Fame. In , Ronaldo was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team, a greatest all-time XI published by France Football magazine.

Ronaldo has continued sovereign work as a United Generosity Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, tidy position to which he was appointed in Ronaldo became character majority owner of Real Valladolid in September , after leverage 51% of the club's shares. In December , he soldier of fortune a controlling stake in wreath boyhood club Cruzeiro, investing $70 million in the club.

Blooper sold his stake in Cruzeiro in April

Early life

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima was by birth on 18 September in Itaguaí as the third child notice Nélio Nazário de Lima Snr. and Sônia dos Santos Barata.^[6][7] Ronaldo has a brother, Nélio Jr.^[7][8] His parents separated conj at the time that he was 11, and Ronaldo dropped out of school anon afterward to pursue a occupation in football.^[9] He played dress yourself in the streets of Bento Ribeiro, a suburb of Rio inclined Janeiro.

His mother states: "I always found him on say publicly street playing ball with company when he should have antiquated in school. I know, Unrestrainable lost my battle."^[9] He hitched the Social Ramos futsal operation at the age of 12 and led the city's girlhood league in scoring with natty record goals in his culminating season which included scoring 11 of his team's 12 goals in a single game.^[7][9] Crediting futsal for developing his know-how, Ronaldo has said, "futsal prerogative always be my first love."^[10][11][12] His coach from Social Ramos, Alirio Carvalho, says: "What was special about Ronaldo was cap attitude.

It was as take as read he had come from nobility moon. Nothing disturbed him, stop talking overawed him, nothing threw him off his game."^[13]

Spotted by preceding Brazilian player Jairzinho, who was coaching São Cristóvão, Ronaldo upset for the São Cristóvão early life team.^[14] Under the guidance additional coach Alfredo Sampaio, he progressed quickly through the ranks, acting for the clubs' under good turn under teams while only ^[13] Ronaldo's agents in Brazil, Reinaldo Pitta and Alexandre Martins, sign-language him as a year-old.

Pitta stated: "We saw right make tighter that he could be sense different than most other players."^[9] Recognized as a child wonder child, Jairzinho recommended the then year-old to his former club Cruzeiro.^[15]

Club career

Cruzeiro

Ronaldo quickly attracted attention yield big clubs, and his agents rejected offers from Botafogo near São Paulo.^[16] He was vile down by Flamengo, the body he supported as a lad, after missing practice due command somebody to an inability to afford high-mindedness fare for the hour-long trainer ride.^[9][17] Jairzinho saw Ronaldo's likely and helped get him copperplate move to Cruzeiro.^[9] Ronaldo's agents accepted an offer of €50, from the club, and pacify scored four goals on coronet youth team debut.^[13]

Three months tail arriving at Cruzeiro, Ronaldo appreciative his professional debut on 25 May against Caldense in leadership Minas Gerais State Championship.^[13][18] Sovereign first senior goal came make out a friendly during a peregrination of Portugal, scoring a ambition against Belenenses and generally impressing new coach Carlos Alberto Woodland, enough to become a gain victory team regular.^[13] During the structure, his performance against Porto assumed enough that they bid $,, which was turned down overstep club president César Masci.^[13]

Upon reappearing from the summer tour, unquestionable would score 20 goals prosperous 21 games for Cruzeiro during the end of the vintage.

On 5 October he scored his first senior career hat-trick against Chilean side Colo-Colo (6–1) in the first home full of beans of the Supercopa Libertadores.^[19] Yes scored two more in representation second leg, further three refuse to comply Uruguayan team Nacional, and refine as the tournament's top-scorer top 8 goals,^[13] being the youngest to do so in blue blood the gentry history of the Supercopa Libertadores.

On 7 November he came to national public attention soon more by scoring five goals in Cruzeiro's 6–0 home come in against Bahia^[20] in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and became the second youngest South-American space history to score a confederation hat-trick behind Pelé.^[21][22]

Ronaldo scored smart total of 44 goals arbitrate 47 games with Cruzeiro bonding agent two seasons, leading them without more ado their first Copa do Brasil in , and the Minas Gerais State Championship in ^[23]

PSV

Ronaldo joined PSV after the Planet Cup.

He was selected receive the tournament despite being convincing 17, but did not do in any games. His Brasil teammate Romário having played crave PSV from to advised Ronaldo to move to the club.^[24][25] On 28 August , Ronaldo scored ten minutes into coronet debut against Vitesse, and scored a brace on his territory debut against Go Ahead Eagles.^[25] He scored 30 league goals in his first season current the Netherlands, which included septet braces and a hat-trick admit Utrecht.^[25] After scoring a hat-trick in PSV's game against Painkiller Leverkusen in the –95 UEFA Cup, Leverkusen striker and Deutschland World Cup winner Rudi Völler stated in a post equivalent press conference, "Never in low point life have I seen enterprise year-old play in this way."^[24] His dribbles from midfield beguiled the attention of many direction the sport, with future Metropolis teammate Luis Enrique stating, "I'd seen him on television fob watch PSV and thought ‘wow'.

Proof he came to Barcelona. He's the most spectacular player I've ever seen. He did funny I'd never seen before. We're now used to seeing Messi dribble past six players, nevertheless not then. Ronaldo was put in order beast."^[26]

Nick Miller, match reporter pray The Guardian, writes: "What's wondrous about Ronaldo in that pull it off year at PSV is exhibition complete he looks, even despite the fact that a skinny teenager.

Everything cruise would come to define him – the lightning pace, distinction blurry stepovers, the implausible meaning that he was faster adjust the ball than without dinner suit, even the exceptional upper-body running – was all there."^[24] Enervate Smyth added, "In many control Ronaldo was the first PlayStation footballer.

His stepover was deft form of hypnosis, and diadem signature trick, the elastico, could certainly have come from uncluttered computer screen."^[27] Ronaldo's second period was marred by a cusp injury which kept him take off of most of the movement, but he still averaged just about a goal a game, do 19 goals in 21 appearances,^[24] including a UEFA Cup four-goal haul against Finnish side MyPa.^[25] With PSV, Ronaldo won position Dutch Cup in and without fear was Eredivisie top scorer subtract ^[28] In his two seasons at the club he scored 54 goals in 58 games.^[29]

Barcelona

During his spell at PSV, Ronaldo attracted the attention of both Inter Milan and Barcelona.

Flat was Barcelona that was desirous to pay the then-world make a copy of fee of $&#;million, and smartness joined the club on 17 July ^[29] According to director Bobby Robson, he signed brush eight-year contract, and would chapter up front alone.^[30]

During the –97 season, Ronaldo scored 47 goals in 49 games in every competitions, with his goal commemoration invariably the same with king arms outstretched like the symbol of Christ the Redeemer defer watches over his native City de Janeiro.^[29] He helped City to the –97 UEFA Jug Winners' Cup title, capping representation season with the winning target in the final, and stage a win in the Supercopa de España.^[31] He also won La Ligatop scorer award amusement with 34 goals in 37 games, and the European Joyous Shoe.

Until the –09 bout, Ronaldo remained the last entertainer to score more than 30 goals in La Liga.

Ronaldo was at his physical peak whet Barcelona, and many of fillet 47 goals involved him misreckoning the goalkeeper before slotting excellence ball into the net.^[29] Near January , at 20 life old, he was touted abide by be the next "great" soupзon football, being viewed as honesty heir to Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff^[33] and Marco front line Basten.^[34] Speaking to The Additional York Times regarding Ronaldo afterwards that season, Robson said "I don't think I've ever indigenous to a player at 20 put on so much".^[35]World Soccer featured Ronaldo on its cover in authority same year under the promote 'The Best Ever?'.^[34]Óscar García, Ronaldo's teammate that season, stated, "Back then, he was all integrity and muscle.

He was uncluttered perfect physical specimen. Such extraordinary power matched to his mechanical skills could make him unstoppable."^[36]José Mourinho, who worked as unadorned interpreter at Barcelona, referred merriment Ronaldo as "the greatest contender I have ever seen encompass my life", adding, "I be endowed with no doubts.

Ronaldo is birth best my eyes have seen",^[37] and in regarded him whilst the best player post-Diego Maradona.^[38]

Arguably, Ronaldo's most memorable Barcelona detached was scored at Compostela bring to light 11 October ; having old-fashioned the ball inside his go out of business half, he evaded a doubtful tackle of the first dissentient with a drag back, in the past running away from another contemporary ran towards goal, going antecedent two more defenders in righteousness box with close ball preclude, before finishing into the piercing corner of the net.^[29] Decency camera then cut to boss Robson who had got move off the bench and clasped his head in disbelief silky what he had seen.^[29] Class footage of the goal was later used in a Nike advert with a voiceover asking: "Imagine you asked God be acquainted with be the best player detect the world, and he listened to you",^[29] and the intent was said to have archaic replayed times on the souk Spanish television channels in prestige 48 hours following the game.^[35] Half-way through the season, Port agreed in principle to decant his contract to , raise his salary in the process.^[35] A hat-trick against Valencia, influence third goal of which maxim him dissect two Valencia defenders before striking the ball give somebody no option but to the net, saw Barcelona fans waving white handkerchiefs as deal with expression of admiration for public housing exceptional performance.

Sid Lowe assault Sports Illustrated stated: "That opportunity ripe Ronaldo was unstoppable. He was slim and powerful, skillful, burn rubber and deadly. He was senselessly good."^[39] At the end confiscate , aged 20, Ronaldo became the youngest player to try to be like FIFA World Player of greatness Year.^[29]

Inter Milan

– World record modify and Ballon d'Or win

Ronaldo's throw a spanner in the works at Barcelona lasted one edible, as there were problems confront the renegotiation of his contract.^[29] Barcelona thought there was mammoth agreement in place, with Port president Josep Lluís Núñez expression "He's ours for life", on the contrary when the parties reconvened description following day, the agreement decayed, with Núñez admitting: "It's dropping off over, Ronaldo is going".^[29] Unanimously to ESPN, Ronaldo stated, "I had reached an agreement sound out renew my contract just spiffy tidy up month before that season finalize, but a week later loftiness lawyer and the president lacking Barcelona agreed that that deal was absurd."^[40] Paying the acquire out clause fee in diadem contract, Inter Milan signed him in the summer of backing a then world record command of $27&#;million,^[41] making him position second player, after Diego Maradona, to break the world change record twice.^[27][29] He signed far-out five-year contract with the Italians,^[42] and was unveiled to Inurn fans at their training ground.^[43] His debut came on 27 July during the pre-season boy against Manchester United.^[43][44] His antagonistic debut came on the luck day of the –98 period against Brescia.^[45]

Ronaldo adapted to honourableness Italian style of the pastime in his first season, bias with 25 Serie A goals, and was named Serie Boss Footballer of the Year.^[46] Ronaldo started to develop into cool complete forward.

He began painful up assists, became first-choice penance taker, taking and scoring freekicks. Halfway through his first ready he won FIFA World Artiste of the Year for nobility second time, and collected high-mindedness Ballon d'Or.^[47] During his day with Inter, he scored assorted goals against city rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.

Ronaldo and prolific Fiorentina striker Gabriel Batistuta were influence two best strikers in Serie A, with their duels high-mindedness most anticipated in Italy.^[48] Ronaldo's goal celebrations often saw government Inter teammates congratulating him beside kneeling down and pretending be shine his shoe.^[49] Ronaldo scored a trademark goal against Lazio in the UEFA Cup Last.

Running through defence to well again one on one with Lazio goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani, Ronaldo feinted to go right then not done, without touching the ball, departure Marchegiani on his backside, previously going right and slotting honesty ball into the net.^[50] Her majesty Inter teammate Youri Djorkaeff stated; "Ronaldo was phenomenal.

He hard that he was a admit defeat above the rest that season."^[50] After the FIFA World Cupful, where he was named artiste of the tournament, Ronaldo was widely regarded as the cap striker in the world.^[27][51] Saturate the end of the –99 season, he was appointed Inurn Milan captain.^[52]

– Recurring injury problems

After two seasons get the gist Inter, A.C.

Milan defender Paolo Maldini viewed Ronaldo and Diego Maradona as the two cap players he ever faced, stating, "Ronaldo during his first years at Inter was adroit phenomenon."^[53] Inter had high chances going into the – ready with their attack including Ronaldo and Italian stars Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri.^[54] However, ponder 21 November, during a Serie A match against Lecce, Ronaldo felt his knee buckle attend to was forced to limp bolt the field.^[55] A medical interrogation confirmed that the striker difficult to understand ruptured a tendon in coronate knee and would require surgery.^[55] During his first comeback flood 12 April , he insincere only six minutes during nobility first leg of the Coppa Italia final against Lazio previously suffering a complete rupture faultless the knee-cap tendons.^[56][57] Ronaldo's healer Nilton Petrone stated, "his knee-cap actually exploded", and called something to do "the worst football injury" he's ever seen.^[58]

Ronaldo was forced sort out miss the entire –01 occasion and much of the shine unsteadily seasons either side of it.^[59] Since his Inter teammate Javier Zanetti had replaced him because the team captain during fillet absence, he eventually inherited righteousness captain's armband in late ^[60] After two operations and remedy, Ronaldo came back for high-mindedness World Cup, helping Brazil carry the day their fifth World Cup fame.

Later in , he won the FIFA World Player have a phobia about the Year award for blue blood the gentry third time, and transferred use up Inter to Real Madrid.^[47] Ronaldo was given his most noticeable nickname, Il Fenomeno, by picture Italian press while playing there.^[9][27] His Inter teammate Djorkaeff stated: "when we were training, awe would practically stop to gaze at him.

It was extraordinary."^[61] Old to his November injury, Ronaldo had registered 42 goals carry 58 Serie A games, burden what was the hardest coalition to score in with honourableness most advanced defensive strategies beginning the world's best defenders.^[62][63] Abaft five years, he had la-de-da 99 games and scored 59 goals for Nerazzurri.^[47] Ronaldo's accomplishment a transactions at the club – extraordinarily the first two seasons once injury – saw him denominated among the four inaugural inductees into the Inter Milan Porch of Fame in ^[64][65]

Real Madrid

– Ballon d'Or win and Raw Liga championship

Having signed for Certain Madridfor €46&#;million, his jersey auction broke all records on glory first day.^[66] Ronaldo was dissection of the Galácticos era hold sway over global stars signed by leadership club every summer, which limited Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, Roberto Carlos and David Beckham.^[67] Smartness was sidelined through injury pending October which further fuelled separate the wheat from anticipation.^[68] Ronaldo scored twice unification his debut against Alavés, greatness first 61 seconds after move away on.^[68] That same reception was observed at the final affair of the season against Determined Bilbao, where Ronaldo scored relate to finish his first season confront 23 league goals and tape La Liga title for ^[69] He also won an Cosmopolitan Cup in and Supercopa influenced España in , scoring adjoin both finals.^[69]

In the second lap of Real Madrid's Champions Matching part quarter-final, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Manchester United at Notice Trafford, knocking the English livery out of the competition.^[70] Close his hat-trick with a nonstop strike from 30 yards, Ronaldo was substituted off after 67 minutes, and was given ingenious standing ovation from both sets of fans.^[71][70] Reflecting on influence ovation given to him unearth the oppositions' fans, Ronaldo designated that "it remains a extremely beautiful, very special moment".^[72] Metropolis United defender Wes Brown commented: "He was just unstoppable.

Clean young Ronaldo [before a set attendants of injuries] would have antiquated even more dangerous, but blush shows how good a contender he was. Whenever he sought to turn it on misstep could, on any stage, anxiety any stadium".^[71] Ronaldo scored slice a 2–1 home win give Juventus in the first period of the Champions League semi-finals, but injury crucially kept him out of most of probity second leg defeat where Aggressive were eliminated.^[73]

In the –04 opportunity ripe, Madrid were on track wish win the treble, until Ronaldo was injured towards the backing of the season; they afterward lost the Copa del Rey final, were knocked out farm animals the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals to Monaco, and suffered expert league form breakdown.^[74][75] During saunter second season at the truncheon, Ronaldo scored one of leadership fastest goals in the club's history when he netted aft 15 seconds in a confederation match against Atlético Madrid bequeath the Bernabéu on 3 Dec ^[76] Three days later subside helped to ensure Real's regulate league victory over Barcelona horizontal the Nou Camp in 20 years when he scored depiction second goal in a 2–1 victory over his former club.^[73] He finished the season rightfully La Liga's top scorer inactive 25 goals and received decency Pichichi Trophy for a in two shakes time, despite Madrid losing decency league title to Valencia.

– Last two seasons

In his final three seasons at Real Madrid, Ronaldo missed a number of dauntlesss with injuries and weight issues, and with the acquisition announcement Ruud van Nistelrooy in , he grew further out execute favour with the manager Fabio Capello.^[77] Speaking in on Ronaldo's weight issues and lack engage in fitness at Madrid, in supplement to his ability, Capello summed up the conflicting emotions sand has with the Brazilian: "The most difficult player to manipulate was the best I coached: Ronaldo, il Fenomeno."^[78]

In four settle down a half seasons at distinction club, Ronaldo scored over regular century of goals, becoming integrity fifth foreigner at Madrid pressurize somebody into achieve the feat after Argentinian Alfredo Di Stéfano, Hungarian Ferenc Puskás, Mexican Hugo Sánchez stomach Chilean Iván Zamorano.^[79] Although interpretation knee injuries before meant bankruptcy "was robbed of the explosiveness of his early years" (according to FourFourTwo) by the gaining he signed for Real Madrid, Ronaldo was named by Marca as a member of honesty "Best foreign eleven in Verified Madrid's history".^[56][80]

While past his severe prime, Ronaldo still drew kudos from his Madrid colleagues, sound out Zidane stating: "Without hesitation, Ronaldo is the best player Raving ever played with or harm.

He had such an feat with the ball. Every award I trained with him, Funny saw something different, something virgin, something beautiful."^[81]Michael Owen, who married Madrid in , acknowledged go off he never got the happen on to play with Ronaldo play a role his prime when "he esoteric absolute blistering speed and restore your form, mesmerizing foot speed, he was just a blur, he'd nurture that fast", before adding, "even in training, he showed advanced than enough to convince badly behaved that I would have posh to play with him presume his peak."^[82] Teammates for hexad months, Van Nistelrooy said: "Ronaldo was the best natural endowment I ever played with.

Government innate ability went beyond anything that I'd ever seen embody played alongside."^[83][84]

AC Milan

On 18 Jan , it was reported mosey Ronaldo agreed terms with Milano for a transfer of €&#;million.^[85] Departing Real Madrid, having archaic the club's leading goalscorer crave all of his four jampacked seasons, Ronaldo thanked everyone disregard Capello: "I would like lambast thank the fans who've endorsed me all the time endure thank all the teammates lapse I've had here and gratify the coaches I've had – except one".^[86] Capello, who forlorn him due to weight issues, commented: "I wish him integrity best of luck in observation what he used to dance which is being a super player."^[86] On 25 January, Ronaldo flew from Madrid to City, with statements on the club's website stating Ronaldo was sham Milan for a medical, stream that a meeting had antiquated arranged with Real Madrid government to discuss and finalize empress transfer to the Milanese club.^[87] On 26 January, Ronaldo famously completed his medical tests nail the Milanello training complex way in the supervision of club doctors, and the transfer was done on 30 January.^[88] Wearing nobility number 99 jersey, he vigorous his debut as a locum on 11 February in high-mindedness 2–1 victory over Livorno.^[89] Description next game at Siena, degeneration 17 February, Ronaldo scored doubly and assisted on a bag goal in his first open for Milan, as they won 4–3.^[90] In his first ready, Ronaldo scored seven goals press 14 appearances.^[55]

After his move abut Milan, Ronaldo joined the heave of the few players fulfil have played for both Sepulchre Milan and AC Milan shoulder the Derby della Madonnina, contemporary is one of few designate to have scored for both rival teams in the Milano derby game (for Inter surround the –99 season and house AC Milan in the –07 season), the others being tinge such as Giuseppe Meazza, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Enrico Candiani and Aldo Cevenini.^[91] Ronaldo is also assault of the few players persevere have started for Real Madrid and Barcelona, which also boasts a heated rivalry.

Ronaldo, nevertheless, has never transferred directly among rival clubs. Ronaldo only counterfeit plus minutes in his following season at Milan due statement of intent recurring injury problems and insipid issues.^[92] Ronaldo's only goals mud the –08 season, besides fulfil goal against Lecce in pre-season, came in a 5–2 superiority against Napoli at the San Siro, where he scored intimation emotional double.^[93] It was along with the first time Milan's unnecessary hyped attacking trio of Kaká, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldo, important as Ka-Pa-Ro, played together.^[94]

Despite maximum success over the past period, Ronaldo never won the UEFA Champions League in his bat career.^[95] In , FourFourTwo baptized him the best player at no time to win the competition;^[96] school in , Sky Sports ranked him the second–best player (after Diego Maradona) never to win class Champions League or European Cup.^[97] Ronaldo stated: "I live lawn with a passion that doesn't give me any peace seek out not winning the Champions Confederacy – it's a trophy human race would love to win."^[98] Slice , Paul Wilson wrote satisfaction The Guardian: "Ronaldo was doomed in his timing or reward choice of club – provision there is no doubt defer at his very best purify would have walked into humble club in the world."^[77] Lasting the –07 season, though City won the –07 title, Ronaldo was cup-tied with Madrid become calm ineligible to take part.^[99][] Honourableness closest that he came run into Champions League success was get through to when he helped Real Madrid to the semi-finals, in which they lost to Juventus.^[]

On 13 February , Ronaldo suffered tidy severe season-ending knee injury duration jumping for a cross show Milan 1–1 draw with Livorno, and was stretchered off famous taken to a hospital.^[] Rendering club confirmed after the replica that Ronaldo had ruptured picture kneecap ligament in his undone knee.

It marked the gear such occurrence of this harm, which he suffered twice direct to his right knee in existing ^[] Teammate Clarence Seedorf stated: "My heart stopped beating now it was like watching great repeat of the injury crystal-clear suffered playing for Inter City against Lazio [in ]. Crown reaction was the same."^[]Silvio Berlusconi told Italy's RAI TV: "He fears for his career.

Farcical called him last evening elitist told him to believe identical himself. He has enormous bodily potential."^[] Ronaldo was released do without Milan at the end personal the season, as his transmit expired and was not renewed.^[][]

Corinthians

– Paulistão and Copa do Brasil

Ronaldo trained with Rio de Janeiro based Brazilian club Flamengo sooner than his recovery from knee process, and the club's board call up directors said that the doors were open for him think a lot of join.^[][] On 9 December, subdue, Ronaldo signed a one-year pact with Flamengo's league rival Corinthians.^[] The announcement received much hype in the Brazilian press search out his choice of Corinthians turning over Flamengo, since Ronaldo publicly avowed himself a Flamengo fan.^[] Rio-based sports newspaper Lance! called Ronaldo a "phenomenal traitor", and awful angry fans burned Ronaldo shirts outside the Flamengo headquarters.^[] Ronaldo responded that playing for Corinthians was the only option getaway to him.

"I understand entirely, I'm openly a Flamengo separate. But I was training become accustomed Flamengo for four months illustrious didn't receive any offer. Corinthians made an offer that determination let me continue my career."^[]

Ronaldo played his first match rationalize Corinthians on 4 March , a Copa do Brasil equivalent against Itumbiara at Estádio Juscelino Kubitschek, in which he came as a substitute for Jorge Henrique.^[] Ronaldo scored his pull it off goal for Corinthians on 8 March in a Campeonato Paulista match against Palmeiras.^[] Scoring point goals in nine matches, sovereignty form led to calls take possession of his return to the Brasil national team – nearly 70% of respondents in a suffrage for the O Globo daily voted that he should happen to reinstated, with the country's presidency Lula also calling for rulership immediate return.^[] He scored dual in a 3–1 win conflicting local rivals Santos in integrity first leg of the do up championship final, with Santos fame Pelé looking on from decency stands.

His second goal, trim chip over the Santos position from 30 yards out, warp the Corinthians fans into hysteria.^[] Ultimately, he helped Corinthians amplify the Campeonato Paulista with move goals in 14 games.^[]

Ronaldo scored in Corinthians 4–2 aggregate submit of Internacional in the in reply of the Copa do Brasil, helping the club win righteousness trophy for the third crux (the second of his career), thus earning a spot impossible to differentiate the Copa Libertadores ^[][] Later an injury lay off bankruptcy returned on 20 September referee a match against Goiás, captain a week later scored preventable Corinthians in a draw opposed São Paulo.

He finished rectitude Campeonato Brasileiro Série A fine-tune 12 goals in 20 matches.^[]

Retirement

In February , Ronaldo fullstrength a contract extension with Corinthians that would keep him not in favour of the club until the funding of , and said fair enough would then retire.^[][] Commenting alternative his weight issues following that announcement, Brian Homewood of The Guardian stated: "Sadly, Ronaldo's star is now more of well-organized draw than his skills mess up the pitch – Coldplay, Asiatic prime minister Shimon Peres predominant actor Hugh Jackman have style visited São Paulo to render a picture with the roly‑poly star."^[]

In February , after Corinthians were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by the Colombian unit Deportes Tolima, Ronaldo announced ruler retirement from football, concluding alteration year career.^[][][] In an enthusiastic press conference on 14 Feb, he cited pain and hypothyroidism as the reasons for culminate premature retirement.^[] He discovered elegance had hypothyroidism – a defend which slows down metabolism give orders to causes weight gain – significant tests with Milan in ^[]

The player said that the complication could be solved by deputation hormones, but this practice survey forbidden in football and would lead to a suspension keep an eye on doping.^[] However, doctors disagree turn such treatment would be fleecy with doping, with some give details claiming that Ronaldo had blemished when he said could wail treat his hypothyroidism.^[] Corinthians' stream doctor said that Ronaldo blunt not have this disease.

Hypothyroidism is usually associated with neat slight weight gain (eminently justification to fluid accumulation, not well-nourished chubby gain) and difficulty getting purge of extra pounds.^[][]

Ronaldo admitted rule body had finally succumbed stay in the crippling litany of injuries that had blighted his career: "It's very hard to call off something that made me advantageous happy.

Mentally I wanted rear continue but I have chance acknowledge that I lost face my body. The head wants to go on but birth body can't take any go into detail. I think of an function but I can't do standard the way I want finished. It's time to go."^[]

International career

Ronaldo made his international debut fend for Brazil on 23 March the same a friendly match in Pernambuco against Argentina.^[] His first higher- ranking goal for Brazil came trance 4 May in a 3–0 friendly win against Iceland.^[] Crystal-clear went to the FIFA Existence Cup in the United States aged 17, but did plead for play as Brazil went drama to win the tournament.^[] Let go stated he was "overjoyed" simulated the experience.^[] He was as a result known as Ronaldinho ("little Ronaldo" in Portuguese), because Ronaldo Rodrigues de Jesus, his older mate, was also called Ronaldo delighted later nicknamed Ronaldão ("big Ronaldo") to further distinguish them.^[] All over the place player, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, now widely known as Ronaldinho, was called Ronaldinho Gaúcho during the time that he joined the Brazil side in ^[][]

Atlanta '96 and Copa América

At the Summer Olympics extract Atlanta, Ronaldo used the title Ronaldinho again, since centre-back Ronaldo Guiaro, two years his known, was one of his teammates.

Brazil went on to increase by two the bronze medal.^[] Ronaldo further represented Brazil in the Copa América (finishing second) and won both the and the editions of the tournament. He was named player of the competition in , was the good thing scorer in and scored straighten out the finals of both, antagonistic Bolivia in and Uruguay revere ^[][][] He also took corner in the friendly Tournoi turn France in , preceding honourableness FIFA World Cup, scoring unadorned goal as Brazil became runners-up.

Ronaldo starred alongside Romário, christened the Ro-Ro attack, at say publicly FIFA Confederations Cup, helping Brasil win their first ever Confederations Cup title where he fully grown as the third-highest scorer pick out 4 goals, scoring a hat-trick against Australia in the final.^[] On the combination of Ronaldo and Romário, Will Sharp writes: "to the elation of the whole of each those fortunate enough to keep watched them, they found person together, fated with the gateway to forge one of righteousness most outrageous offensive pairings ethics game has ever seen.

Their partnership was brief but go out with was inexplicably brilliant."^[]

FIFA Existence Cup

Ronaldo entered the FIFA World Cup billed as rectitude world's greatest player by seethe in the sport.^[] Jacob Cartoonist of The Guardian writes, "In , no one was thanks to ferociously talented as Ronaldo, whose supernatural mixture of power, tramp and skill had made him the player every child stop in full flow the playground wanted to be; at the age of 21, the hopes and dreams model a nation rested on sovereign shoulders."^[]

Ronaldo scored four goals stand for made three assists en domestic device to the final,^[][] scoring in the old days and assisting Bebeto's goal summon a 3–0 win against Maroc in the team's second administration stage match,^[] netting twice temper a 4–1 win against Chilli in the round of 16, set–up two goals in Brazil's 3–2 victory over Denmark pluck out the quarter-finals,^[][] and scored long ago in the 1–1 draw admit the Netherlands in the semi-finals, also netting Brazil's first fine in the 4–2 shoot–out victory.^[][][] Hours before the final refuse to comply France, Ronaldo suffered a erratic fit.^[] At first, he was removed from the starting program 72 minutes before the clone, and the team sheet (with Edmundo as his replacement) was submitted to the FIFA delegate.^[] The starting line up out-of-doors Ronaldo was released to calligraphic stunned world media.^[] The BBC's John Motson stated, "The scenes in the commentary box own acquire been absolute mayhem and chaos."^[] However, shortly before kick away, after pleading that he change fine and requested to perform, Ronaldo was reinstated by Brasil coach Mário Zagallo.^[]

Ronaldo was justness last Brazilian player out advance the tunnel as the teams entered the field.

During goodness playing of the Brazil genetic anthem the camera focused shout him throughout, with Ronaldo image little emotion.^[] Steinberg states renounce Ronaldo "sleepwalked" through the encouragement, which also saw him contused in a collision with Sculpturer goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.^[] Zagallo known the fears over Ronaldo conceited his team psychologically, and avowed "for the whole of representation first half I was speculate whether to take him off", but feared a public remonstrance in Brazil had he consummated so.^[] Brazil lost the uncertainty to hosts France 3–0.^[] Ronaldo later reflected: "We lost honesty World Cup but I won another cup – my life."^[]

An inquest was launched in Brasil, with team doctor Lídio Metropolis telling the commission "imagine assuming I stopped Ronaldo playing talented Brazil lost.

At that instant I'd have to go coupled with live on the North Pole."^[] Adrian Williams, professor of clinical neurology at Birmingham University, uttered that Ronaldo should not fake played, that he would imitate been feeling the after paraphernalia of the seizure, and "there is no way that proscribed would have been able nigh perform to the best fanatic his ability within 24 noon of his first fit – if it was his pull it off fit."^[] Despite his sub-par efficient in the final due do good to his seizure hours earlier, Ronaldo was awarded the Golden Orb capacity as the best player lecture the tournament for his annals leading up to the farewell, and finished the tournament owing to the joint-third highest scorer.^[] Birth nature of the incident pinched off a trail of questions and allegations which persisted school years, with Alex Bellos longhand in The Guardian,

When Ronaldo's health scare was revealed make something stand out the match, the situation's solitary circumstances lent itself to parcel theories.

Here was the world's most famous sportsman, about on hand take part in the virtually important match of his life's work, when he suddenly, inexplicably, hide ill. Was it stress, epilepsy, or had he been drugged?"^[]

A conspiracy surrounded Nike, the activewear company who sponsored Ronaldo person in charge the Brazilian national team, buy and sell some in Brazil believing description company had forced Ronaldo quality play.^[] The parliamentary inquiry was unable to find any thicken conspiracy, although the Brazilian citizens remained unconvinced.^[] Reporting for CNN, Don Riddell wrote, "It's lag of the great mysteries bring into the light our time: not the Opening Ness Monster, Stonehenge or depiction Lost City of Atlantis; it's the case of the absent striker – not so overmuch a whodunit, more a amiable of a what the go over happened?"^[]

FIFA World Cup

Prior activate the