How Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer) Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer) across different fields.

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

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.

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: 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.

2000: Unveiling of Ronaldo statue at Nike headquarters

In 2000, a bronze statue of Ronaldo was unveiled next to Ronaldo Field at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

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".

2003: Most Famous Sportsperson

In 2003, a poll by Nike listed Ronaldo as the world's most famous sportsperson and the third most famous person overall.

2004: Named in FIFA 100 list

In 2004, Ronaldo was named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players compiled by Pelé.

January 2013: Ambassador of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

In January 2013, Ronaldo was named one of the six ambassadors of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

2014: José Mourinho regarded Ronaldo as the best player post-Diego Maradona

In 2014 José Mourinho regarded Ronaldo as the best player post-Diego Maradona.

2014: Ambassador of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

In January 2013, Ronaldo was named one of the six ambassadors of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

2016: Ronaldo's talent discussed

In 2016, Rob Smyth of The Guardian wrote about Ronaldo's precocious talent stating, "Ronaldo is easily the best of the past 30 years, possibly ever."

2017: Fox Sports Interview

In a 2017 interview with Fox Sports, Ronaldo stated that the best team he played in was the Brazilian one in 2002, emphasizing their collective spirit and lack of vanity.

2018: Ronaldo was named among the inaugural inductees into the Inter Milan Hall of Fame

In 2018, Ronaldo's performances at Inter Milan, especially in the first two seasons before his injury, led to him being named among the four inaugural inductees into the Inter Milan Hall of Fame.

2019: FourFourTwo named Ronaldo the best player never to win the UEFA Champions League

In 2019, FourFourTwo named Ronaldo the best player never to win the UEFA Champions League.

2020: Named in Ballon d'Or Dream Team

In 2020, Ronaldo was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team, a greatest all-time XI published by France Football magazine, solidifying his place among the greatest players ever.

2020: Sky Sports ranked Ronaldo the second-best player never to win the Champions League or European Cup

In 2020, Sky Sports ranked Ronaldo the second-best player (after Diego Maradona) never to win the Champions League or European Cup.

September 2023: Neymar surpasses Pelé

As of September 2023, Ronaldo retired from international football as the second-highest goalscorer for his country, behind only Pelé. Neymar has since surpassed Pelé, with Ronaldo the third-highest scorer.