A Tale of Two Ronaldos: The Great, and the Gargantuan

He was born to the name Ronaldo Luis Nazario Lima, but to the world, he is simply known as Ronaldo. The prolific goal scorer from Rio de Janeiro officially retired today after a legendary career that saw him play for some of the top teams in the world over 18 years. The likes of PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan acquired the Brazilian's services for his goal scoring prowess. Ronaldo saw ultimate team success winning numerous trophies with teams in Brazil, Spain, Holland and Italy, and winning 2 World Cups (1994 & 2002) with the Esquadrão de Ouro.

For all his team success, Ronaldo is one of the greatest talents that soccer has seen since Pele. Often called the greatest player of the last decade, Ronaldo is only one of two men (the other being his former Real Madrid team mate Zinedine Zidane) to win 3 Fifa World Player of the Year awards. The Brazilian still holds the record for most goals scored in World Cup tournament history, with a grand total of 15, and was named the Italian Serie A's Player of the Decade in 2007, for his exploits with Inter Milan during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Ronaldo's career goal scoring statistics are jaw dropping, with the Brazilian scoring 247 goals in 343 games for his clubs and 62 goals in 97 games for his country.

Yet, over time devastating knee injuries and a weight problem slowed down the star striker. His trademark speed, which had made him the most exciting player in the world, was all but gone in his final year with Real Madrid in 2007. But, even then, his immensely skilled feet toyed with some of the world's best defenders.



Ronaldo at Corinthians FC: A shadow of his former self



For all his skill and genius on the soccer field, the 34 year old Brazilian leaves the game, much like his good friend Zidane, with a whimper (albeit for different reasons). Overweight, aged and unrecognizable on the soccer field, Ronaldo now hobbles off the field that he so masterfully controlled as recently as last year with Brazilian team Corinthians. The star striker cited injuries and lack of fitness as his reasons for retirement.

In some people's minds, the final chapter of Ronaldo's career may take away from the amazing career that he had. Yet, for those that saw him in his prime, Ronaldo will always be regarded as one of the greatest strikers that ever played.