Ronaldo Nazario de Lima biography, early life and career

• Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, better known as Ronaldo(R9), played as a striker for the Brazil national team.
• He is most remembered for his time spent playing for Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Former Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, better known as Ronaldo(R9), played as a striker for the Brazil national team. He is most remembered for his time spent playing for Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Ronaldo is recognized as one of the greatest football players in the history of the game. He is remembered as a prolific goal scorer with exceptional playmaking and dribbling skills along with the famous R9 stepovers.

Ronaldo Nazario Biography 

Early Life

In Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo was born on September 18, 1976. He started off playing football on the streets when he was young and was nurtured in Rio de Janeiro’s Bento Ribeiro area. From a young age, it was clear that he had athletic skills, and at the age of eight, he joined the local club, Social Ramos.

Ronaldo struggled with a number of issues as a child despite his brilliance, such as poverty, sickness, and a lack of opportunity. His growth was inhibited and he became shorter than other kids his age when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficit at the age of 12. Eventually, a local football talent scout saw Ronaldo and assisted him because his family could not afford the pricey treatment.

Ronaldo continued to do well on the football field, and at the age of 16, the Brazilian team Cruzeiro decided to sign him. Top European teams soon took notice of him as he quickly proved himself as one of the greatest young players in the nation. He signed with the Dutch team PSV Eindhoven in 1994 when he was 17 years old, which marked the start of his professional career.

Club Career

With Dutch team PSV Eindhoven, Ronaldo began his professional club career in 1994. In his debut season with the club, he scored 30 goals in 33 games, immediately making himself one of the top young players in Europe. In his second year with the team, he assisted PSV in capturing the Eredivisie title.

Ronaldo got signed by FC Barcelona in 1996 for a then-record signing bonus of $19.5 million. He had a productive season with the team, making 49 appearances across all competitions and scoring 47 goals. However, injuries shortened his stay at Barcelona, and he finally transferred to Inter Milan.

Ronaldo in Inter Milan. Photo/PlanetFootball

Ronaldo played with Inter Milan for five seasons, where he made a name for himself as one of the finest players in the world. He was the 1997 and 2002 Ballon d’Or winner and was instrumental in Inter’s 1998 UEFA Cup victory.

Ronaldo was acquired by Real Madrid in 2002 for a then-record-breaking sum of €46 million. He had an instant impact on the team, scoring 30 goals in his first year and contributing to Real’s 2003 UEFA Champions League victory.

Prior to going back to Brazil to complete his career, Ronaldo played one season with AC Milan. In the final two years of his career, from 2009 to 2011, he went back to Brazil and played for Corinthians.

He assisted the team in winning the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A in 2009 and 2011, respectively. After nearly two decades of extremely successful club football, he retired from the game in 2011.

International Career

Ronaldo Nazario. Photo/ Mediotiempo.

At the FIFA World Cup of 1994, Ronaldo made his debut for Brazil in a competitive setting. Despite not taking part in any of the games, he was able to experience success as Brazil took home the trophy. During the 1998 World Cup, he scored his first goal for his country against the Netherlands, netting it in the 46th minute.

When Brazil played in the 1998 World Cup in France, Ronaldo was the team’s standout player. In total, he scored four goals, two of which came against France in the tournament’s championship game. Ronaldo received criticism for his subpar performance in the game as Brazil fell short by a score of 3-0.

Ronaldo was crucial to Brazil’s victory over South Korea and Japan at the 2002 World Cup. He was the best scorer at the competition with eight goals, including two against Germany in the final match. He was given the title of Golden Boot winner.

Personal Life

Ronaldo with family. Photo/MidDay

Currently, Ronaldo is the president of La Liga team Real Valladolid and a businessman. Additionally, he is the owner of Cruzeiro, a Brasileiro Serie A team.

In his spare time, Ronaldo has a reputation for being a kind person. His Ronaldo Foundation, in particular, aims to give underprivileged youngsters in Brazil access to educational opportunities.

Ronaldo has four kids and has been married twice.

Ronald was born from his first marriage to Brazilian footballer Milene Domingues. In 2003, they got divorced.

Brazilian beauty and television broadcaster Maria Beatriz Antony is Ronaldo’s second and present spouse. They were wed in 2008. Alexander is one of three children they had together, along with two daughters called Maria Sofia and Maria Alice.

Net Worth

Ronaldo’s net worth is thought to be over €300 million.

His football contracts and endorsement deals have provided the majority of his income throughout the years.

FAQs

How old is Ronaldo Nazario?

Born on 18 September 1976, Ronaldo is currently 46 years old.

Where did Nazario start his career?

He started his career in PSV Eindhoven.

What is the height of Ronaldo Nazario?

He is 1.83m.

What is Ronaldo’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated to be around €300 million.

What is Ronaldo Nazario’s nickname?

His common nickname is ‘El Fenomeno’ and R9.