Historic

This is why Ronaldo Nazario is respected in Brazil: Records & Goals

By Adedamola Samuel

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Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, or popularly called Ronaldo Nazario/Nazario is one of the best players to have played for the Brazilian national team. He is held in legendary status both by players and fans of the Selecao and is arguably regarded as the best striker to have played for Brazil. Ronaldo Nazario played for the Brazilian national team between 1994 and 2011, a 17-year period that included 98 appearances and 62 goals. 

Ronaldo Nazario was the undisputed No 9 for Brazil during his days playing in 1995, 1997, and 1999 Copa America. He also featured in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 FIFA World Cups. He played in his only FIFA Confederations Cup for Brazil in 1997 where he scored 4 goals in 5 appearances for the Samba boys. Ronaldo Nazario broke numerous other records for Brazil and that is why he is held as a legend in Brazil. 

Ronaldo Nazario records for Brazil

Ronaldo Nazario made a total of 98 appearances for Brazil across 3 World Cups and 3 Copa America along with other competitions and qualifying rounds. Ronaldo's 62 goals for the Brazilian national team made him the second-highest goalscorer for the team for a long while, behind only Pele's 77 goals. However, that record was broken in 2020 when Neymar surpassed Ronaldo's haul. This makes him the 3rd-highest goalscorer for Brazil. 

Ronaldo is also one of the most successful players in the colours of Brazil, winning the FIFA World Cup twice (1994 & 2002) and finishing as runner-up in 1998. This means that the only time Ronaldo didn't end up on the podium at a World Cup he featured in was in 2006. Ronaldo Nazario was also a South-American champion 2 times (1997 & 1999), finishing second in 1995. He won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1997 and a Bronze medal at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics.

This haul of trophies coincides with one of the most successive periods in the Brazilian national team. The leading Ronaldo played in all of them is why he is regarded as a legend in Brazil.

 

 


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