Ronaldo Nazario
The Phenomenon who conquered the world twice with Brazil.
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, universally known as O Fenômeno or R9, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. At age 17, he was the youngest member of the Brazilian squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup, though he did not play in any games. 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. He won the 2002 FIFA World Cup, starring in a front three with Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. Ronaldo scored twice in the final and received the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer. 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. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal, a tournament record at the time.
- Role
- Striker
- Nationality
- Brazilian
- Major Clubs
- Inter Milan, Real Madrid
- World Cups Won
- 2 (1994, 2002)
- FIFA World Player of the Year
- 3 times (1996, 1997, 2002)
- Ballon d'Or
- 2 times (1997, 2002)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ronaldo's World Cup story is one of extremes. At 17, he was the youngest member of the 1994 winning squad but didn't play a minute. Four years later, he was the Golden Ball winner after leading Brazil to the 1998 final, only to suffer a convulsive fit hours before kick-off in a loss that haunted him. His redemption came in 2002: partnering with Ronaldinho and Rivaldo in a devastating front three, Ronaldo scored twice in the final against Germany, won the Golden Boot with eight goals, and lifted the trophy. That performance earned him the 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year, the 2002 Ballon d'Or, and the Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year. At the 2006 World Cup, he scored his 15th career World Cup goal, setting a tournament record at the time.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights at Saitama Stadium hummed with tension. Ronaldo stood over the ball in the 2002 World Cup final, the weight of a nation on his shoulders after years of knee injuries and the memory of 1998. He stepped up, struck the leather cleanly past German keeper Oliver Kahn, and sprinted away with arms outstretched like Christ the Redeemer. The roar was deafening as he embraced Ronaldinho and Rivaldo—the Phenomenon had finally delivered. He scored again in the 79th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory and Brazil's fifth title. That tournament, he scored eight goals, won the Golden Boot, and was named FIFA World Player of the Year for the third time.
Reader's Guide
Ronaldo Nazário's World Cup career is defined by two victories (1994, 2002) and a tournament record. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he scored twice in the final and received the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer with eight goals. This achievement, viewed as "redemption" for the 1998 final loss, saw him named the 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year and receive the 2002 Ballon d'Or. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal, a tournament record at the time. 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. His individual accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2002) and winning two Ballon d'Or awards (1997, 2002).
Did You Know?
- At age 17, Ronaldo was the youngest member of the Brazilian squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup, though he did not play in any games.
- At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo suffered a convulsive fit hours before kick-off of the final.
- Ronaldo scored twice in the 2002 World Cup final and received the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer with eight goals.
- At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal, a tournament record at the time.
- Ronaldo won the Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year after his return from knee injuries and his 2002 World Cup triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ronaldo Nazario?
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known as 'O Fenômeno' or R9, is a retired Brazilian striker widely considered one of the greatest players in football history. He is celebrated for his unique combination of technical skill and explosive physical power on the international stage.
What role did Ronaldo play in the World Cup?
As Brazil's primary striker, he was the focal point of their attack, utilizing his speed and finishing ability to lead the team to two World Cup victories. His performances were instrumental in securing titles for his nation in 1994 and 2002.
How many World Cups has Ronaldo won?
Ronaldo secured two FIFA World Cup titles with Brazil, winning as a squad member in 1994 and as the tournament's star player in 2002. These victories cemented his legacy despite the severe knee injuries that interrupted his prime.
Why is Ronaldo Nazario considered so important?
He redefined the striker position by blending unmatched dribbling agility with sheer physical dominance, earning three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and two Ballon d'Ors. His ability to overcome life-threatening injuries to win a second title in 2002 makes his career an enduring symbol of resilience.
Which major clubs did Ronaldo represent?
During his illustrious club career, he played for top European giants including Inter Milan and Real Madrid before retiring. His time at these clubs further established his global reputation as a world-class forward alongside his international success.
More in honours
Elsewhere in the FIFA World Cup universe
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