Brazilian legend Ronaldo will retire from the game of football in 2011. Ronaldo is the top scorer at the World Cup finals overall with 15 goals, one more than German forward Gerd Müller. He has played in three World Cup final tournaments and starred in two. His athleticism, power and unbelievable skill made him in a joy to watch in his early twenties. His move from PSV to Barcelona was an overwhelming success, scoring 34 goals in 37 games for the Catalan giants. Injuries prevented him from improving his amazing goals per game ratio – however, there is no doubting the legend that is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.
Ronaldo’s first ever World Cup appearance was in 1998 against Scotland, although he was part of the 1994 winning squad but didn’t play a single minute of the victory. He scored his first World Cup goal in his next game against Morocco and helped the Brazilian get to a second successive final against France. The final of 1998 is shrouded in mystery, with a lackluster Ronaldo going through the motions amidst rumours that the superstar had suffered a fit following huge pressure laid upon his young shoulders. Four years later he put the 1998 ghost to rest, scoring two goals in the final past Germany to help Brazil win a record fifth World Cup title. He became top scorer in the World Cup finals in 2006 after scoring against Japan – however, his best day were long gone and he resembled a shadow of his former self.
The three times World player of the year still holds high hopes of making the 2010 squad for the finals in South Africa. The Corinthians front man was quoted as saying: “I renewed my contract for another two years and this will be my last. I will play until December 31st 2011 and then I will retire from playing football. I want to give my maximum for Corinthians and to finish my career having won something important with this shirt.” Ronaldo is a legend of the game and his contribution to the success of Brazil, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid will never be forgotten by football fans.
