With the World Cup in Brazil getting closer with each passing day, we take time out to look at one of the best Brazilian footballers of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ronaldo. The original Ronaldo.
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There are some great nicknames in the world of football. Think Ji Sung Park, known as ‘Three Lungs’ for his tireless effort on the pitch. Think ‘The Divine Ponytail’, the wondrous name ascribed to Roberto Baggio. Think Franz ‘The Kaiser’ Beckenbauer. Better yet, think of Dennis Bergkamp, who was given the glorious moniker of ‘The non-flying Dutchman’. Get it? *nudge nudge*
Sadly Ronaldo, once rightly blessed with the fantastic nickname ‘The Phenomenon’ is now better known as ‘The Other’ Ronaldo. Of all the mighty falls suffered by great players, surely this is the greatest. And among the most unfair. Sure, he is carrying a bit of timber compared to Cristiano, but that shouldn’t distract from his status as one of the all-time greats; he really was that good. Also, as an aside, if you had him on your team in Pro Evolution Soccer 4, then you were destined for victory, no matter the quality of your opponent.
During his career he played for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan before returning home to Brazil to play for Corinthians. Not to mention a few casual appearances in some charity five-a-sides here and there. That is as impressive a CV as you’ll ever see. Add in the fact he won the Ballon d’Or three times and he is a proper legend.
Blessed with searing pace and unbelievable technique, at his pomp, he was pretty much unplayable. He must have been a nightmare for defenders to play against because if he didn’t beat you with pace, he would tie you up in knots with more tricks than a David Blaine gig.
A man who knew more about football than you, me or most people, the late Bobby Robson, described Ronaldo as the greatest player he has ever worked with from their time together at Barcelona and that sort of endorsement is good enough for us. Bobby, of course, did later help Steve Staunton out with the Ireland job so maybe his judgement wasn’t as bullet-proof as we thought but he deserves the benefit of the doubt with this one.
If you’re still not sure, check out this goal from his time at Barca. Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff.
Of course, the main reason why ‘The Other’ tag stuck was because compared to his namesake, he was a tad more on the plump side. In fairness, Cristiano Ronaldo is in such good shape that his abs could grate cheese and he is most likely a direct descendant of Adonis himself. The Portuguese Ronnie is known for his step-overs, but he is mere prince to the original Ronaldo, who was the step-over king and never produced them purely for show.
Look at this goal he scored for Inter Milan where he just ducks and dives from left to right, completely bamboozling the keeper before rolling it into an empty net. This was the UEFA Cup Final against Lazio, but he makes it look like it’s a bit of craic down at the 5-a-side with your mates, except Ronaldo’s not gasping for breath after five minutes and falling over while merely attempting a step-over, not executing it to perfection.
The numbers back up his greatness too. He scored a total of 352 goals in a glittering career (including a record 15 in World Cups) which spanned 518 matches and has won more honours than a class full of smart kids doing the Leaving Cert.
Yes Cristiano Ronaldo is more famous and definitely in better nick than the original Ronaldo these days, but Phat Ronaldo’s (see what we did there) place in our hearts can never be dislodged. NEVER!
Brought to you with thanks to Pot Noodle Brazilian BBQ Steak Flavour.
