Contents
Ronaldo Nazário
Scoring eight goals as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup.
Brazil · R9 · O Fenômeno
- Born
- 18 September 1976
- Birthplace
- Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
More people
Ronaldo Nazário
Ronaldo Nazário is a Brazilian former striker whose speed, dribbling and finishing made him a defining player of his generation. After serious knee injuries, he returned to lead Brazil’s attack at the 2002 World Cup. He played for clubs including Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid.
Early life
Bento Ribeiro
Grew up in the Rio de Janeiro area, developing his game through street football and futsal.
Teenage breakthrough
His performances for Cruzeiro earned a place in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup squad, although he did not play.
Career
- 1993–1996
Cruzeiro and PSV
Began his senior career in Brazil before moving to the Netherlands.
- 1996–2002
Barcelona and Inter
Became a global star, then spent long periods recovering from knee injuries.
- 2002–2007
Real Madrid
Joined after the World Cup and won the Spanish league.
- 2007–2011
Milan and Corinthians
Returned to Brazil after Milan and retired from playing in 2011.
Achievements
Ballon d’Or
Won his first award; received it again in 2002.
UEFA Cup
Helped Inter win the final against Lazio.
World Cup and Golden Boot
Scored eight goals, including both goals against Germany in the final.
Beyond football
Club ownership
Later invested in Real Valladolid and Cruzeiro, selling his stakes in 2025 and 2024 respectively.
The R9 name
Known as R9 and O Fenômeno, distinguishing him from Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗FIFA: 2002 comeback ↗FIFA: World Cup goals ↗Cruzeiro sale ↗Valladolid ownership change ↗Photo: Lula Oficial. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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