Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)
How Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known as Ronaldo or "O Fenômeno", is a Brazilian former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and two-time Ballon d'Or winner, he revolutionized the striker position. Currently, he owns and presides over La Liga club Real Valladolid. Ronaldo's influence extends to inspiring a generation of strikers.
1982: Zico participation in Match Against Poverty
In December 2012, 1982 World Cup star Zico turned out for Ronaldo's team in the Match Against Poverty in Porto Alegre.
May 1993: Ronaldo made his professional debut for Cruzeiro
On May 25, 1993, three months after arriving at Cruzeiro, Ronaldo made his professional debut against Caldense in the Minas Gerais State Championship.
October 1993: Ronaldo scored his first senior career hat-trick
On 5 October 1993, Ronaldo scored his first senior career hat-trick against Chilean side Colo-Colo (6–1) in the first home leg of the Supercopa Libertadores and finished as the tournament's top-scorer with 8 goals, being the youngest to do so.
November 1993: Ronaldo came to national public attention
On 7 November 1993, Ronaldo came to national public attention by scoring five goals in Cruzeiro's 6–0 home win against Bahia in the 1993 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
1993: Ronaldo led Cruzeiro to their first Copa do Brasil
In 1993, Ronaldo helped Cruzeiro win their first Copa do Brasil.
August 1994: Ronaldo debut for PSV
On 28 August 1994, Ronaldo scored ten minutes into his debut for PSV against Vitesse.
1994: Ronaldo was part of the Brazilian squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup
At age 17, in 1994, Ronaldo was part of the Brazilian squad that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
1994: Ronaldo led Cruzeiro to the Minas Gerais State Championship
In 1994, Ronaldo led Cruzeiro to the Minas Gerais State Championship.
1994: Ronaldo moved to PSV
In 1994, Ronaldo moved from Cruzeiro to PSV Eindhoven, marking his transition to European football.
1995: Copa América
In 1995, Ronaldo represented Brazil in the Copa América, finishing second.
1995: Ronaldo was Eredivisie top scorer
In 1995, Ronaldo was the Eredivisie top scorer while playing for PSV.
July 1996: Ronaldo joined Barcelona
On 17 July 1996, Ronaldo joined Barcelona after they paid a then-world record fee of $19.5 million.
October 1996: Ronaldo scored memorable goal at Compostela
On 11 October 1996, Ronaldo scored a memorable goal at Compostela, dribbling past multiple defenders. The goal was later used in a Nike advert. Also, At the end of 1996, aged 20, Ronaldo became the youngest player to win FIFA World Player of the Year.
1996: Atlanta Summer Olympics
At the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Ronaldo used the name Ronaldinho because centre-back Ronaldo Guiaro was his teammate. Brazil won the bronze medal.
1996: Nike endorsement deal
In 1996, Nike signed Ronaldo to a 10-year contract and a lifetime endorsement deal worth over $180 million.
1996: Ronaldo helped Barcelona to the 1996 Supercopa de España
In 1996, Ronaldo helped Barcelona to a win in the Supercopa de España.
1996: Ronaldo won the Dutch Cup
In 1996, Ronaldo won the Dutch Cup with PSV.
January 1997: Ronaldo was touted to be the next "great" in football
By January 1997, at 20 years old, Ronaldo was touted to be the next 'great' in football, being viewed as the heir to Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten.
1997: Inter Milan broke the world record fee to sign Ronaldo
In 1997, Inter Milan broke the world record fee to sign Ronaldo. He also received the Ballon d'Or at 21, and remains the youngest recipient of the award.
1997: Ronaldo won the 1997 Copa América
In 1997, Ronaldo won the Copa América and was named player of the tournament.
1997: Copa América win, Confederations Cup win
In 1997, Ronaldo won the Copa América, being named player of the tournament and scoring in the final against Bolivia. He also participated in the friendly Tournoi de France, where Brazil were runners-up. Ronaldo also starred alongside Romário at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, helping Brazil win their first ever title with 4 goals, including a hat-trick against Australia in the final.
1997: Inter Milan signed Ronaldo for a world record fee
In the summer of 1997, Inter Milan signed Ronaldo for a then world record fee of $27 million, making him the second player, after Diego Maradona, to break the world transfer record twice. He signed a five-year contract and was unveiled to 4,000 Inter fans. He debuted on July 27 against Manchester United, and his competitive debut was against Brescia.
1998: World's Greatest Player
In 1998, Ronaldo entered the 1998 FIFA World Cup billed as the world's greatest player. The hopes and dreams of a nation rested on his shoulders.
1998: Ronaldo became widely regarded as the best striker in the world
In 1998, Ronaldo finished his first season with 25 Serie A goals, earning the title of Serie A Footballer of the Year and winning FIFA World Player of the Year for the second time, along with the Ballon d'Or. Following the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament, Ronaldo was widely regarded as the best striker in the world.
1998: Design of Nike Mercurial R9
In 1998, Ronaldo was closely associated with the original Nike Mercurial R9 boot, designed for him for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
1998: Ronaldo played for Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina
In 1998-99 season, Ronaldo played for Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, and is one of few players to have scored for both rival teams in the Milan derby game.
1998: Height of Ronaldo's career
In the 1990s, and by 1998, Ronaldo reached the height of his career. By the time the 1998 World Cup came along his reputation had extended to the point of fully formed marvel.
1998: Missed opportunity at the World Cup
Ronaldo spoke about his obsession with lifting the World Cup trophy, having missed out in 1998.
1999: Ronaldinho Gaúcho joins Brazil team
In 1999, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, now widely known as Ronaldinho, was called Ronaldinho Gaúcho when he joined the Brazil team.
1999: Ronaldo won the 1999 Copa América
In 1999, Ronaldo won the Copa América, and was the top goalscorer.
1999: Copa América win
In 1999, Ronaldo won the Copa América, was the top scorer, and scored in the final against Uruguay.
2000: United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador
In 2000, Ronaldo became a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.
2000: Endorsement of Ronaldo V-Football
In 2000, Ronaldo exclusively endorsed the video game Ronaldo V-Football, released for PlayStation and Game Boy Color.
2000: Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP
In 2000, Ronaldo was chosen as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) due to his global appeal. He accepted the role, viewing it as an obligation to help with causes worldwide.
2001: Ronaldo eventually inherited the captain's armband in late 2001
In late 2001, after his Inter teammate Javier Zanetti replaced him as the team captain during his absence, Ronaldo eventually inherited the captain's armband.
October 2002: Ronaldo's debut against Alavés
In October 2002, sidelined through injury, Ronaldo scored twice on his debut against Alavés, the first 61 seconds after coming on.
December 2002: FIFA World Player of the Year Award
In December 2002, Ronaldo dedicated his third FIFA World Player of the Year award to the medical team that helped him recover from his knee injury.
2002: Return after Injury
After a long-term injury, Ronaldo returned in 2002, becoming a great goalscorer, although some considered his 1990s version to be a great everything.
2002: Ronaldo joined Real Madrid
By the time Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2002, knee injuries had diminished his explosiveness from his early years. Despite this, Marca recognized him as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history".
2002: Ronaldo scored eight goals in a single World Cup
In 2002, Ronaldo scored eight goals in a single World Cup. This comeback was after knee injuries at Inter Milan.
2002: Ronaldo won the 2002 FIFA World Cup
In 2002, Ronaldo won the FIFA World Cup, scored twice in the final, and received the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer. He was also named FIFA World Player of the Year and received the Ballon d'Or.
2002: World Cup Victory and Golden Boot
In 2002, after recovering from a severe knee injury, Ronaldo led Brazil to their record fifth World Cup title and won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals.
2002: Miroslav Klose at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
Ronaldo and Klinsmann's shared record of at least three goals in three separate World Cup finals was broken by German striker Miroslav Klose, who has a record of at least four goals in each of three tournaments at the 2002 finals.
December 2003: Ronaldo scored one of the fastest goals in Real Madrid's history
On December 3, 2003, Ronaldo scored one of the fastest goals in Real Madrid's history, netting after 15 seconds in a league match against Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu. Three days later he helped to ensure Real's first league victory over Barcelona at the Nou Camp in 20 years when he scored the second goal in a 2–1 victory over his former club.
2003: Ronaldo received a standing ovation at Old Trafford
In 2003, Ronaldo received a standing ovation at Old Trafford. This recognition occurred during the later part of his career, following knee injuries at Inter Milan that affected his explosiveness.
2003: Real Madrid won La Liga title
In 2003, Ronaldo scored in the final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao to finish his first season with 23 league goals and seal La Liga title for Real Madrid. He also won an Intercontinental Cup in 2002 and Supercopa de España in 2003, scoring in both finals.
2003: Establishment of Match Against Poverty series
Ronaldo and Zidane established the Match Against Poverty series in 2003.
2004: Michael Owen joined Real Madrid
In 2004, Michael Owen joined Real Madrid and acknowledged that he never got the chance to play with Ronaldo in his prime. Even in training, Ronaldo demonstrated enough to convince Owen of his exceptional abilities at his peak.
2006: Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal
At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal, setting a tournament record at the time.
2006: 2006 World Cup
At the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo was part of the "magic quartet" alongside Adriano, Ronaldinho, and Kaká. Despite being jeered for being overweight and slow, he remained in the starting lineup.
2006: Barcelona agreed in principle to extend Ronaldo's contract to 2006
Half-way through the season, Barcelona agreed in principle to extend Ronaldo's contract to 2006, doubling his salary in the process.
2006: Miroslav Klose breaks Ronaldo's record
Ronaldo and Klinsmann's shared record of at least three goals in three separate World Cup finals was broken by German striker Miroslav Klose, who has a record of at least four goals in each of three tournaments at the 2002 and 2006 finals.
2006: World Cup Qualifying Campaign
With 10 goals in 15 games, Ronaldo was the South American top scorer in Brazil's qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup.
January 2007: Ronaldo agreed terms with Milan for a transfer
On January 18, 2007, Ronaldo agreed terms with Milan for a transfer of €8.05 million. On January 25, Ronaldo flew from Madrid to Milan for a medical, with statements on the club's website stating Ronaldo was in Milan for a medical. On January 26, Ronaldo successfully completed his medical tests at the Milanello training complex under the supervision of club doctors. On January 30, the transfer was completed.
February 2007: Ronaldo debuted for Milan
On February 11, 2007, Ronaldo made his debut for Milan as a substitute in the 2–1 victory over Livorno. On February 17, Ronaldo scored twice and assisted on a third goal in his first start for Milan, as they won 4–3.
2007: Ronaldo played his second season at Milan
In 2007, Ronaldo's only goals in the 2007–08 season, besides his goal against Lecce in pre-season, came in a 5–2 victory against Napoli at the San Siro, where he scored an emotional double.
2008: Ronaldo remained the last player to score more than 30 goals in La Liga
Until the 2008–09 season, Ronaldo remained the last player to score more than 30 goals in La Liga, highlighting his impact during the 1996-97 season.
March 2009: First match and goal for Corinthians
In March 2009, Ronaldo played his first match for Corinthians in a Copa do Brasil match against Itumbiara. Later in March 2009, he scored his first goal for the club in a Campeonato Paulista match against Palmeiras.
2009: Copa do Brasil title with Corinthians
In 2009, Ronaldo scored in Corinthians' 4–2 aggregate defeat of Internacional in the final of the Copa do Brasil, helping the club win the trophy for the third time and earning a spot in the Copa Libertadores 2010.
February 2010: Contract Extension with Corinthians
In February 2010, Ronaldo signed a contract extension with Corinthians, committing to the club until the end of 2011, after which he planned to retire.
2010: Copa Libertadores qualification
Because of Corinthians' Copa do Brasil title in 2009, the club earned a spot in the Copa Libertadores 2010.
2010: Miroslav Klose breaks Ronaldo's record
Ronaldo and Klinsmann's shared record of at least three goals in three separate World Cup finals was broken by German striker Miroslav Klose, who has a record of at least four goals in each of three tournaments at the 2010 tournament.
February 2011: Retirement Announcement
In February 2011, after Corinthians were eliminated from the 2011 Copa Libertadores, Ronaldo announced his retirement from football due to pain and hypothyroidism, concluding an 18-year career.
June 2011: Friendly match against Romania
In February 2011, it was announced that Ronaldo would be given a final match for Brazil, a friendly against Romania in São Paulo on 7 June 2011, five years after his last match with the national team.
December 2011: Match Against Poverty
On December 13, 2011, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane played a charity match with their friends against former and current players of the German team Hamburg in the ninth edition of the Match Against Poverty series.
2011: Ronaldo retired from football
In 2011, Ronaldo retired from professional football after spells at AC Milan and Corinthians, due to recurring injuries.
2011: Planned Retirement
In February 2010, Ronaldo planned to retire at the end of 2011, after his contract expired with Corinthians.
December 2012: Match Against Poverty in Porto Alegre
In December 2012, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane reunited for the Match Against Poverty in Porto Alegre, Portugal, with the field including World Cup winners and Zico, Ronaldo's childhood idol.
March 2014: Match Against Poverty
In March 2014, Ronaldo played in the UNDP's 11th Match Against Poverty against a Zidane XI in Bern, Switzerland. The proceeds from the match helped recovery efforts in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.
December 2014: Minority Owner of Fort Lauderdale Strikers
On December 11, 2014, Ronaldo became a minority owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League.
2014: Mercurial Vapor IX inspired by 1998 design
In 2014, Nike created a Mercurial Vapor IX inspired by the 1998 Nike Mercurial R9 design to celebrate 15 years of the boot.
2014: Donation to Pope Francis
In 2014, Ronaldo donated a signed football to Pope Francis, which is now housed in the Vatican Museums.
April 2015: Hat-trick in Match Against Poverty
On April 21, 2015, Ronaldo, joined by Didier Drogba in attack, scored a hat-trick in the UNDP's Match Against Poverty in St Etienne, France. The proceeds went towards African countries affected by the Ebola epidemic.
2015: Ronaldo Academy Expansion
In 2015, Ronaldo opened eight new branches of his youth football school, the Ronaldo Academy, in China, the U.S. and Brazil.
2017: Inclusion in FIFA 18 Ultimate Team
In 2017, Ronaldo was added as an icon to the Ultimate Team in EA Sports' FIFA 18, receiving a 95 rating. He also appears as the cover athlete on the Icon edition of the game.
September 2018: Majority Owner of Real Valladolid
In September 2018, Ronaldo became the majority owner of La Liga club Real Valladolid after purchasing a 51% stake for €30 million.
2018: R9 Mercurial boots inspired Nike Mercurial Superfly VI
In 2018, Ronaldo's R9 Mercurial boots inspired the Nike Mercurial Superfly VI boots commissioned for Kylian Mbappé.
2020: Ronaldo Academy Expansion Goal
By 2020, Ronaldo expected 100 Ronaldo Academy branches to be opened worldwide.
May 2021: Release of Ronaldo: El Presidente
In May 2021, DAZN released the first of a six-part series titled Ronaldo: El Presidente, which documents Ronaldo's role as president of Real Valladolid.
April 2024: Agreement to sell ownership stake to BPW Sports
On April 30, 2024, Ronaldo agreed to sell his ownership stake in Cruzeiro to BPW Sports company, remaining on the club's board of directors.
Mentioned in this timeline
Neymar da Silva Santos J nior known as Neymar is...
PlayStation is a video game brand owned by Sony Interactive...
Ronaldinho Ga cho a Brazilian former footballer is considered one...
Jennifer Lopez or J Lo is an American singer songwriter...
Venezuela officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is located on...
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
Trending
22 minutes ago Severe storms and tornadoes threaten millions across Great Lakes and Texas; Ohio warned.
23 minutes ago David Blaine's New Show 'Do Not Attempt' Streams, Interview Reveals Magic and AI.
23 minutes ago Andy Murray Meets Lionel Messi at Miami Open, Asks About Stoke Challenge
1 hour ago Justin Hartley Shares Marriage Update with Sofia Pernas, Discusses 'Tracker' and Home Life.
1 hour ago Cesar Chavez Day Celebrations Honor Legacy and Call to Organize
1 hour ago Trump Considered Firing Waltz; Admin Leaked War Plans; NSA Warns Phone Users.
Popular
Jasmine Crockett is an American lawyer and politician currently serving...
Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach currently head...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician...