Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima Bio: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Children, Parents, Height, Stats, Career Goals

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Biography

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known simply as Ronaldo, is a celebrated Brazilian former professional footballer who is considered one of the sport’s greatest strikers. Born on September 22, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo began his career at Cruzeiro in 1993 before moving to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where his remarkable goal-scoring ability quickly drew attention.

Ronaldo‘s career included stints with top clubs like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. His time at Inter Milan was particularly notable, where he won two Serie A titles and contributed to the team’s 2009-2010 treble season, though an injury kept him from the final. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2002).

On the international stage, Ronaldo represented Brazil in three World Cups, with his standout performance in 2002 leading Brazil to victory. He finished as the top scorer, earning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. His record of eight World Cup goals is shared with Miroslav Klose.

Nicknamed “Il Fenomeno” for his exceptional skill, speed, and finishing, Ronaldo’s career was affected by severe knee injuries, which impacted his longevity. Despite these challenges, his influence on football profoundly inspires a generation of strikers with his unique style.

Ronaldo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima
Stage Name:	Ronaldo, Il Fenomeno
Born:	18 September 1976 (age 48 years old)
Place of Birth:	Itaguaí, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality:	Brazil
Education:	N/A
Height:	188 cm
Parents:	Sônia dos Santos Barata, Nélio Nazário de Lima Snr
Siblings:	Nélio Nazário de Lima Jr., Ione Lima
Spouse:	Celina Locks (m. 2023), Maria Beatriz Antony (m. 2008–2012), Daniella Cicarelli (m. 2005–2005), Milene Domingues (m. 1999–2003)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Fernanda de Freitas (2003), Viviane Brunieri (1996), Nádia Franca (1994), Raica Oliveira (2005-2006), Susana Werner (1997-1999), Paula Morais (2013-2014), Michele Umezu
Children:	Maria Sophia Nazário de Lima, Ronald Domingues Nazário de Lima , Alexander Nazário de Lima, Maria Alice Nazário de Lima
Occupation:	Footballer
Net Worth:	$160 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima was born on September 22, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in the modest neighbourhood of Bento Ribeiro, his family life was characterized by financial struggles.

His mother, Sonia dos Santos Barata, worked multiple jobs to support the family, while his father, Nelio Nazário de Lima, had a background in football. Ronaldo has six siblings; among them, his brother Nélio Júnior also pursued a football career, though not reaching the same heights.

Brazil is a predominantly Catholic country, so Ronaldo likely was exposed to Catholicism, though he has not publicly discussed his religious beliefs extensively. His early involvement in football impacted his formal education. He attended local schools in Rio de Janeiro but prioritised football training over academics, which was evident by the age of 13 when he began playing for São Cristóvão.

Ronaldo‘s exceptional talent was recognized during a youth tournament, leading him to join Cruzeiro at the age of 16. This marked the beginning of his professional career, overshadowing the challenges of his early life with his remarkable football skills.

Career

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima began his professional journey with Cruzeiro in 1993. His impressive goal-scoring caught the attention of European clubs, leading to his move to PSV Eindhoven in 1994. At PSV, he netted 32 goals in 38 league matches, earning the European Golden Boot and piquing the interest of top clubs.

In 1996, Ronaldo joined FC Barcelona for a world-record fee. Despite injuries, he scored 47 goals in 57 appearances and helped secure the Copa del Rey. His next major move was to Inter Milan in 1997, where he enjoyed a successful stint until a serious knee injury in 2000. Upon his return, Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Inter’s successes, including Serie A titles in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and their 2010 treble run, although he missed the final due to injury.

Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2002 set another world record. He scored over 100 goals in 177 matches, won La Liga titles, but struggled with recurring injuries. After a loan to AC Milan in 2007, he returned to Brazil to play for Corinthians, winning the Brasileirão Série A in 2011 before retiring.

On the international stage, Ronaldo’s career with Brazil was highlighted by the 2002 World Cup, where he led Brazil to victory, finished as top scorer, and won the Golden Ball. His record eight World Cup goals were unmatched until recently.

Nicknamed “Il Fenomeno” for his exceptional speed, agility, and finishing, Ronaldo’s career, though shortened by knee injuries, left a lasting legacy. His records, three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and impact on the modern striker role continue to shape football culture.

Social Media

• Instagram: Ronaldo (@ronaldo)
• Twitter: Ronaldo Nazário (@Ronaldo)

Personal Life

On September 25, 2023, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima married Brazilian model Celina Locks in Ibiza, marking his third marriage. Celina, 33, had been in a relationship with Ronaldo since around 2015.

Ronaldo’s previous marriages include Milene Domingues (1999–2003), with whom he shares a son, Ronald, born in 2000; Daniella Cicarelli, with whom he had a high-profile marriage in 2005 that ended after a few months; and Maria Beatriz “Bia” Antony, with whom he was married until 2012 and shares two daughters, Maria Sophia and Maria Alice. Additionally, Ronaldo was engaged to DJ Paula Morais from 2013 to 2014.

Ronaldo has also been in relationships with Raica Oliveira (2005–2006) and Susana Werner (1997–1999) and has encountered Fernanda de Freitas (2003), Viviane Brunieri (1996), and Nádia Franca (1994). He has a son, Alexander, with Michele Umezu, whom he dated briefly in 2002.

Ronaldo‘s family includes four children from different relationships: Ronald with Milene Domingues, Maria Sophia and Maria Alice with Bia Antony, and Alexander with Michele Umezu. At 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Ronaldo’s height contributed to his on-field presence, combining agility with strength.

Net Worth

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, widely known as Ronaldo, has built an impressive net worth, estimated at around $160 million. His wealth stems largely from his illustrious football career, during which he was among the highest-paid athletes, earning substantial sums through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

Beyond his playing days, Ronaldo continued to generate income through lucrative endorsements, particularly with Nike, which maintained a long-term partnership with him even post-retirement. His business interests reflect his financial acumen; he has invested in football clubs, acquiring a majority stake in Real Valladolid for approximately $50 million and later purchasing Cruzeiro. These investments highlight his enduring connection to the sport he once dominated on the field.

Achievements & Recognition

World Cup Success

• 1994: Youngest player (17 years old) in the World Cup.
• 1998: Top scorer of the tournament with 4 goals, despite Brazil’s loss in the final.
• 2002: Led Brazil to victory, won the Golden Boot (8 goals), and Golden Ball (best player).

Club Achievements

• PSV Eindhoven: Eredivisie champion (1995), European Golden Boot (1995).
• Barcelona: Copa del Rey (1997), Spanish Super Cup (1996).
• Inter Milan: Serie A champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010), Coppa Italia (2005, 2010), UEFA Champions League (2010, though he didn’t play in the final due to injury).
• Real Madrid: La Liga champion (2003, 2007), Spanish Super Cup (2003).
• AC Milan (loan): Serie A champion (2004).
• Corinthians: Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (2011).

Individual Awards

• FIFA World Player of the Year: 1996, 1997, 2002.
• Ballon d’Or: 2002 (shared with Oliver Kahn).
• European Golden Shoe: 1997 (La Liga top scorer).
• South American Footballer of the Year: 1996, 1997, 2002.
• Pichichi Trophy: 1997 (La Liga top scorer).

Records and Milestones

• Top Scorer in World Cup Finals (8 goals, shared with Miroslav Klose until 2022).
• Youngest Player in World Cup History at the time of his debut in 1994.
• Most Goals in a Single World Cup Tournament (8 goals in 2002).
• Most Expensive Player Transfers: Was involved in several of the highest transfer fees of his time.

Other Accolades

• UEFA Team of the Year: Multiple selections.
• Brazilian Football Confederation Silver Ball: 1993, 1994, 1997.
• Inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame.

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