When Ronaldo Nazário Won the Ballon d’Or as the Youngest Player

For many, it’s hard to recall a time before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated football, especially with their consistent wins of the Ballon d’Or.

The ongoing comparison between Messi and Ronaldo has sparked much debate about who is the best, with social media filled with various posts showcasing stats and emojis to support each side.

Some older fans remember a time when Ronaldo Nazario was recognized as the most thrilling player in the sport, known for his unique skills and style.

Injuries may have held Ronaldo Nazario back from being universally regarded as the greatest, but no player has created such excitement as he did when he burst onto the scene.

This athlete broke the world transfer record twice before turning 21 and is the youngest player to have won the Ballon d’Or.

Let’s revisit Ronaldo’s early career and his record-breaking achievements.

Embed from Getty Images

Ronaldo quickly established himself as Brazil’s shining football hope after debuting at 16 for Cruzeiro, gaining wider attention with a five-goal performance against Bahia soon after.

He scored an impressive 44 goals in just 47 matches for his club, earning a spot on Brazil’s squad for the 1994 World Cup.

Although he did not play, his selection was a sign of his immense talent, drawing comparisons to Pele as an exciting upcoming player.

His next step was Europe, and on the advice of teammate Romario, he joined PSV Eindhoven, making an immediate impact after his transfer.

Just like Romario before him, Ronaldo excelled in the Eredivisie, finishing his inaugural season with 35 goals in 36 matches across all competitions, and was the top scorer in the Netherlands. He added 19 goals in 21 games during a second season that was cut short by a significant knee injury.

By 1996, top European clubs were eager to sign him. Barcelona secured him for £13.6m, making him the most expensive player in football history at just 19.

Ronaldo spent only one season at Camp Nou, but it was unforgettable, showcasing his best performances as part of an ambitious team under Sir Bobby Robson in the 1996/97 season.

Ronaldo was nearly unstoppable, combining incredible speed, skill, and strength as he left defenders behind, showing off footwork that bewildered goalkeepers and defenders alike.

While many players have since drawn inspiration from his style, none have matched the thrill he provided in the nineties.

During his single season at Barcelona, he scored 47 goals in 49 appearances, helping the team win the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

These goals were monumental for the time and displayed a level of play that was previously unseen.

Notable moments included a hat-trick against Valencia, and a memorable goal against Compostela, where he sprinted from his half, evading challenges with remarkable pace and footwork.

At just 20 years old, he became the youngest ever winner of FIFA’s World Player of the Year award, before moving to Inter Milan for £19.5m, making him the most expensive player again.

During his debut season in Serie A, Ronaldo netted 34 goals, leading Inter to UEFA Cup victory and solidifying his place as the top forward.

That season, he captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming the youngest recipient by a wide margin while also retaining his FIFA World Player of the Year title.

However, his second season at Inter was marred by injuries, including a serious knee issue that kept him out for the entire 2000/01 season.

After his recovery, he achieved great success, scoring eight goals to help Brazil win the 2002 World Cup, redeeming himself after struggles in the previous tournament.

These performances led to a move to Real Madrid as part of the club’s Galactico project, along with a second Ballon d’Or and a third FIFA World Player of the Year title.

Ronaldo remained a top player and a prolific scorer, but the explosive talent that had dazzled audiences in the nineties was sadly diminished.

While we can only speculate on how his career might have unfolded without these setbacks, there is no doubt that Ronaldo was the most thrilling young talent in football history.

Read Also – Remembering the night that Kaka tore Manchester United apart