Challenges in the Life of Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer) in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)'s life and career.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1998: Ronaldo received the Golden Ball at the 1998 FIFA World Cup

At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo received the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament, despite suffering a convulsive fit before the final.

November 1999: Ronaldo suffered a knee injury during Inter Milan match

In November 1999, prior to an injury, Ronaldo had scored 42 goals in 58 Serie A games. This was in what was considered the hardest league to score in, with the most advanced defensive strategies and the world's best defenders.

1999: Beginning of Knee Injuries

From late 1999, Ronaldo started getting affected by knee injuries and subsequent weight gain that affected his speed, fitness, and mobility.

1999: Ronaldo suffered a knee injury during a Serie A match against Lecce

In the 1999-2000 season, on November 21, 1999, during a Serie A match against Lecce, Ronaldo felt his knee buckle and was forced to limp off the field. A medical examination confirmed that the striker had ruptured a tendon in his knee and would require surgery.

April 2000: Knee injury

In April 2000, Ronaldo ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee, causing him to miss Brazil's entire qualification campaign for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

April 2000: Ronaldo suffered a complete rupture of the knee-cap tendons

On April 12, 2000, during his first comeback in the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, Ronaldo played only six minutes before suffering a complete rupture of the knee-cap tendons. His physiotherapist described it as the worst football injury he'd ever seen, stating that "his knee-cap actually exploded".

2000: Ronaldo was forced to miss games due to injury

Following a serious knee injury in April 2000, Ronaldo was forced to miss games. This absence from the field continued into the following season.

2000: Knee Injury

In 2000, Ronaldo sustained a knee injury which impacted his pace and brute force, diminishing them compared to his peak in the 1990s.

2003: Real Madrid lost to Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals

In 2003, Real Madrid, with Ronaldo, reached the Champions League semi-finals but lost to Juventus.

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: Ronaldo grew out of favour with Real Madrid

In 2006, with the acquisition of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo grew further out of favour with the Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello due to injuries and weight issues.

2007: Hypothyroidism Diagnosis

During tests with Milan in 2007, Ronaldo discovered he had hypothyroidism, a condition that slows down metabolism and causes weight gain.

February 2008: Severe knee injury

In February 2008, Ronaldo suffered a severe season-ending knee injury while playing for Milan against Livorno, rupturing the kneecap ligament in his left knee. This marked the third occurrence of such an injury in his career. His teammate Clarence Seedorf likened the injury to the one he suffered playing for Inter Milan against Lazio in 2000.

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.

2011: Ronaldo retired from football

In 2011, Ronaldo retired from professional football after spells at AC Milan and Corinthians, due to recurring injuries.

2017: Capello spoke on Ronaldo's weight issues

In 2017, Fabio Capello spoke on Ronaldo's weight issues and lack of fitness at Real Madrid, in addition to his ability, summing up the conflicting emotions he had with the Brazilian.