Ronaldo

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Ronaldo
Date of Birth: 22 September 1976
Born At: Bento Ribeiro, Brazil
Height: 183 cm
Position: Forward - Striker
Best Known As: FIFA Player of the Year 1996-97

Ronaldo News
- Ronaldo says he prefers playing alongside Adriano than club-mate Robinho
- Ronaldo ends scoring drought in Brazil win
- Ronaldo promises show in Brazil-Venezuela match
- Ronaldo wants more referees, fewer chips
- Ronaldo Will Stop Celebrations For Unity

"I knew when I started playing professionally that being an idol means catering for fans. Without them, there's no game. I don't mind signing autographs, but what I really want to give fans are lots of goals."
- Ronaldo.

A most talented and powerful forward striker Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima was born on 22nd September 1976 at Bento Ribeiro in Brazil. Like most of his childhood friends, Ronaldo began his soccer career playing barefoot in the streets of his neighbourhood. By his 12th birthday he is playing in an organized youth club called Tennis Club Valqueire.

Ronaldo was selected to be part of Brazil's victorious 1994 World Cup squad at the age of 17. Although he did not play, his selection was a testament to the faith that his coach had in him. The same year he joined the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven where he played for a couple of seasons before moving to Inter Milan via a short spell at Barcelona.

Ronaldo was named FIFA's World Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1997, becoming both the youngest player to win the award and the only player to win the award in consecutive years. He also starred in the 1998 World Cup, scoring four goals in leading Brazil to the Cup finals, but he was criticized for their 3-0 loss to France in the championship game.

In 2002 Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid and although he has occasionally been criticized by the Madrid faithful for being a touch overweight, his goals have helped them in the Spanish League and the Champions League.