Beginning at Cruzeiro: seeking opportunities and experience to become a professional
In 1993, at the age of 16, Ronaldo arrived at Cruzeiro from São Cristóvão. Despite his youth, he quickly stood out, showcasing speed, skill, and a sharp goal-scoring instinct. It didn't take long for the forward to earn his place in the main squad of the Minas Gerais club.
The Betfair ambassador highlights that his early years in football shaped him to become a great professional player. “My time at Cruzeiro was fundamental for everything that happened in my career. I was very young and looking to find my place in football, and it was at the Minas club that I began to understand what it meant to be a professional.”
“I played alongside many experienced players like Toninho Cerezo, Careca, Dida, and coach Ênio Andrade. I had many memorable moments, such as my first professional match against Caldense and my first goal as a professional, against Belenenses. I received a warm welcome from the fans, who believed in me from the start,” he shared.
“There, I learned many things that I carried forward: the importance of hard work and the discipline of being a high-performance professional, as well as how to deal with pressure from an early age. That beginning at Cruzeiro gave me the confidence I needed to face bigger challenges in Europe and with the Brazilian national team. Without a doubt, those first steps in Minas were the foundation for everything I later achieved,” Ronaldo emphasized in an interview with Betfair.
Challenge in Italy, playing for rival teams Inter and Milan
Nicknamed "The Phenomenon" by the Italians, Ronaldo made his mark in Italy with two remarkable stints: one with Inter Milan from 1997 to 2002, and another with AC Milan from 2007 to 2008. The star reflected on what it was like to be part of both rival clubs in the city of Milan during different phases of his career.
“It was challenging to play for both Inter and then Milan. Both clubs have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and are fierce rivals. At Inter, I had unforgettable moments, including the incredible connection with the fans and the feeling of being part of an ambitious project. Unfortunately, injuries prevented me from achieving everything I wanted, but I learned a lot about overcoming obstacles and resilience,” he said.
“At Milan, it was an opportunity to write a new chapter in my career, at an equally great club filled with top stars. The experience of playing alongside players of such high caliber and the respect I received, even coming from the rival side, was significant for me. What struck me most in Italy was the passion and tactical understanding of football, something that made me grow as a player and better understand the game. Experiencing both sides of the Milan derby was something rare, and I’m grateful to have been part of the history of both clubs.”
Achievements at Barcelona and Real Madrid
The birthday celebrant’s time at both Barcelona and Real Madrid placed him at the heart of one of the greatest rivalries in world football. Few players have performed at such a high level for both clubs as Ronaldo did.
“What stood out the most for me in Spain was the intense rivalry between the two clubs and the passion of the fans, who make football a true art. Being able to wear the shirts of both clubs is something that fills me with pride and left a deep mark on my journey,” Ronaldo told Betfair.
“At Barcelona, even though my time there was short, I had a fantastic 1996/97 season, where I was able to show all my potential, becoming the top scorer in La Liga and being named the best player in the world that season. I fondly remember the Super Cup and Copa del Rey titles, as well as that goal against Valencia, which was one of the most important of my career.”
“At Real Madrid, the experience was different but equally significant. Being part of that team known as the 'Galácticos' was one of the highlights of my career. The pressure was enormous, but the individual and collective successes were unforgettable,” he recalled.
Farewell to football at Corinthians
The Betfair ambassador returned to Brazilian football with Corinthians in 2008, part of an ambitious project after the club’s return to the top division of the Brazilian Championship. Ronaldo’s stint with the São Paulo team yielded excellent results for both the club and the World Cup winner, as he secured the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Paulista titles, standing out as a key player in those competitions. R9 spoke to Betfair about the affection he received from the passionate Corinthians fans and his triumphant return after a severe injury at Milan.
“It was very special to experience Corinthians until the end of my football career. I fondly remember the warm reception I had from day one, at that presentation at Parque São Jorge. The fans’ passion is indescribable.”
“The moments I cherish most are undoubtedly the Paulista and Copa do Brasil titles in 2009. Those titles had a special meaning in my career because they marked my return to football after a long recovery from injuries that had been troubling me.”
“I believe I managed to show the Corinthians fans that, even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to overcome challenges and perform well on the pitch. I left Corinthians not only with titles but with immense affection for the fans who supported me from my arrival until my retirement announcement,” Ronaldo added in an exclusive interview with Betfair.
With these memories, Ronaldo continues to inspire generations of fans around the world, celebrating not only his brilliant career but also his passion and commitment to Brazil’s most popular sport. Happy birthday, Ronaldo!
Betfair also produced a special social media feature for the betting house, with quickfire questions for the World Cup winner. Click here to check out the full content, where the birthday celebrant talks about football, tennis, Formula 1, curiosities, daily habits, dreams, fears, and even TV shows.
One of the world’s largest online sports betting providers, Betfair is the official sponsor of Cruzeiro and Vasco da Gama. The company, founded in London in 2000, was a pioneer in peer-to-peer betting (Betfair Exchange) and manages a comprehensive range of sports betting, entertainment events, and online gaming products for over four million customers aged 18 and older worldwide.
Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, the platform offers an extensive catalog of products, allowing users to bet with their own odds or those offered by other users. Betfair is licensed to operate online betting and other games in 19 countries, including Spain, Italy, Malta, and Great Britain.
Source: GMB
