Rivaldo

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rivaldo's international career spanned a decade, from 1993 to 2003, during which he became the seventh highest goalscorer in Brazil's history with 35 goals in 74 matches. His first major tournament was the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Brazil reach the final. Four years later, he formed a legendary attacking trio with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho that powered Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title. Rivaldo was a constant threat throughout that tournament, scoring in five of Brazil's seven games. His consistency earned him a spot in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for the second consecutive World Cup, having also been selected in 1998. Beyond the World Cup, Rivaldo won the 1999 Copa América, where he was named player of the tournament.

In Their Own Story

At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Rivaldo delivered one of the most complete tournament performances by any Brazilian player. He scored in five of Brazil's seven matches, providing a steady stream of goals from midfield. His contributions began in the group stage and continued through the knockout rounds, culminating in Brazil's fifth World Cup title. Playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Rivaldo's creativity and goal-scoring ability made him an essential part of the attack. His selection to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in both 1998 and 2002 reflects his sustained excellence on the world's biggest stage.

Reader's Guide

Rivaldo's World Cup legacy is built on two tournaments. In 1998, he helped Brazil reach the final, contributing to a run that ended in defeat to France. His performance earned him a place in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. The 2002 World Cup was his crowning achievement. Playing in an attacking trio with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Rivaldo scored in five of Brazil's seven games as the team won the title. He was again named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. Key moments include his goals in the group stage and knockout rounds that kept Brazil on track for the championship. His 35 goals in 74 appearances for Brazil make him the seventh highest scorer in the country's history.

Did You Know?

• Rivaldo scored in five of Brazil's seven games at the 2002 World Cup.
• He was named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in both 1998 and 2002.
• Rivaldo is the seventh highest goalscorer in Brazil's history with 35 goals in 74 matches.
• He won the 1999 Copa América and was named player of the tournament.
• Rivaldo played alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in the 2002 World Cup winning team.