Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar: Samba Stories of the Past Present and Future

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 18, 2011

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Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo has called it quits on one of the most outstanding, heartbreaking and outrageous soccer careers in recent memory. 

Hailing from the football breeding ground of Brazil, Ronaldo burst on to the scene in 1996 at Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to win World Player of the Year. He dominated Europe for the next decade before his lifestyle began to catch up with him, while also being an automatic selection at center forward for the Selecao. 

His first major injury came in his time at Inter Milan, and this was the start of his fall from grace.  Ronaldo was a player with great natural ability.  Athleticism, technique, vision, and clinical finishing were traits of his that could not be matched. Unfortunately, work ethic was never what he was known for. His weight ballooned after joining Real Madrid, which led to a transfer to AC Milan. This was the first place that his natural talent could not bail him out. He never gained the form which made him be considered one of the greatest soccer players in the world. 

Ronaldo suffered another knee injury, his third major injury of the same nature, and was not re-signed when his contract expired.  He joined Brazilian club Corinthians and played there for two years. He did score goals at his normal career rate, but he still struggled with fitness and missed time here as well.

After Ronaldo came Ronaldinho. 

Ronaldinho became the face of Brazilian soccer with his mesmerizing dribbling, stunning free-kicks, and excellent samba dancing. Ronaldinho made a big impression in Europe, first in France with PSG and then with Barcelona. His unmistakable smile and trademark goal dance made him a popular figure while at Barca. However, after an injury plagued and unhappy season, he transferred to AC Milan in 2008. This was a turning point in Ronnie's career. 

While at Milan, he was w...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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