The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Soccer›Ronaldo Nazário
Sports • Soccer

Ronaldo Nazário

Ronaldo Nazário, also known as Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima and nicknamed O Fenômeno, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ronaldo Nazário, also known as Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima and nicknamed O Fenômeno, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history and won FIFA World Player of the Year three times, alongside major club and international honours.

Early life and rise

Ronaldo was born in Rio de Janeiro on 18 September 1976 and emerged as a major talent in Brazilian football before moving to Europe as a teenager. His early success at Cruzeiro and PSV established him as one of the sport's most promising forwards.

Club career

Ronaldo played for some of the world's biggest clubs, including Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians. His time at Barcelona was especially notable for a then-world-record transfer fee and exceptional scoring form. He won FIFA World Player of the Year at age 20 while at Barcelona.

International career

Ronaldo was a key figure for the Brazil National Football Team, including the 2002 World Cup-winning team and the 1998 runners-up squad. He also won the 1997 Copa América and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil.

Legacy and recognition

Ronaldo is widely described as one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for speed, dribbling, and finishing. He won FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2002, and the Ballon d'Or in 1997 and 2002.

Key facts

  • Started professional career at Cruzeiro, then moved to PSV in 1994.
  • Won FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2002).
  • Won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, and was part of the 1994 squad.
  • Returned from serious knee injuries to help lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title.
  • Retired from professional football in 2011.
🍁
Canadian context

Ronaldo Nazário is relevant to Canadian readers as one of world football’s most famous figures, especially in coverage of the FIFA World Cup and international football history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ronaldo Nazário?
Ronaldo Nazário is a Brazilian former professional football striker widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.
What teams did Ronaldo Nazário play for?
He played for Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians.
How many World Cups did Ronaldo win?
He won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was a squad member in 1994.
What awards did Ronaldo Nazário win?
He won FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2002, and the Ballon d'Or in 1997 and 2002.
When did Ronaldo Nazário retire?
He retired from professional football in 2011.

References

  1. Wikipedija — https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo_Naz%C3%A1rio
    Supports: Full name and birth date/place
  2. Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia — https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo_Naz%C3%A1rio
    Supports: Career timeline, Barcelona transfer, awards, retirement
  3. Wikipédia — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo_Naz%C3%A1rio
    Supports: Full name, nickname, awards, post-playing career
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ronaldo
    Supports: Retired player, World Cup 2002, FIFA Player of the Year awards
  5. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo_Nazario
    Supports: International honours, Brazil goals, World Cup and Copa América titles
  6. Real Madrid — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/the-club/history/football-legends/ronaldo-luis-nazario-de-lima
    Supports: Birthplace, position, appearances, goals, Brazilian caps, Ballon d'Or awards
  7. FC Barcelona — https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/764-ronaldo-ronaldo-luis-nazario-da-lima
    Supports: Date of birth and 1996 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup goal