Playing in some of the world's best leagues can't be a coincidence, and Brazilian striker Ronaldo can look back at his accomplishments today, as he turns 41.
"O Fenomeno" started his professional career with Cruzeiro, making the jump to European football in 1994. He scored 42 goals in 46 appearances with PSV Eindhoven before joining FC Barcelona, where he enjoyed success for only one season. His move to Inter Milan wasn't as successful, as his frequent injuries prevented him from showing his true skills. His career-threatening injury came in a Coppa Italia match against Lazio, in one of the most heart-breaking scenes in football history.
After leading Brazil to the 2002 WC title, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, where he fought consistently to win La Liga & Pichichi trophies. He decided to leave in 2007 and joined Milan, where he struggled again with injuries. He spent his final days on the pitch with Corinthians, calling it quits in 2011.
His resume includes two World Cup titles, one La Liga win with Real Madrid, one UEFA Cup title with Inter Milan and a couple of Ballon D'Or trophies. Today, the world of football united to celebrate his birthday, and we'll join them with a compilation of tweets featuring quotes from colleagues, experts and fans.
"Watching him was like watching a character in a video game"
— #UCL (@ChampionsLeague) September 18, 2017
Happy Birthday, @Ronaldo!
World Player of the Year
Ballon d'Or pic.twitter.com/LYKh1AMbIn
Happy birthday to my favourite 9 of all time, "o Fenômeno" Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/Qpk9Ub53vt
— Brazil Football (@BrazilEdition) September 18, 2017
Zlatan on @Ronaldo: "You didn't have that kind of football player before and you don't have it today. He doesn’t exist."#UCL pic.twitter.com/9EaqmdVgUp
— #UCL (@ChampionsLeague) September 18, 2017
Happy birthday @Ronaldo, the man who came to within touching distance of being the greatest footballer ever. https://t.co/KgBwDyq6vf pic.twitter.com/nQFfDop0Eh
— These Football Times (@thesefootytimes) September 18, 2017
Happy Birthday to Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/LTVnT17AYj
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) September 18, 2017
Cafu: "The first time I saw Ronaldo play was at Cruzeiro - he was still a kid & ended up scoring 5 goals. He was a phenomenon."#UCL pic.twitter.com/HuaiFC2pXk
— #UCL (@ChampionsLeague) September 18, 2017
Happy Birthday Ronaldo!
— BigFootball (@BigFootballGB) September 18, 2017
414 Goals
World POTY
World Cup
Ballon d'Or
GOAT pic.twitter.com/T8OmnASwfE