Ronaldo Luìs Nazàrio de Lima, known only as Ronaldo, was a legendary Brazilian footballer for both club and country. Nicknamed “El Fenomeno” (The Phenomenon), he is still widely considered the greatest pure #9 striker in history. The clinical finisher claimed the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times and the Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002. His tenures with Brazil (1994-2011) and notable clubs PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid earned him several tournament MVPs and Golden Boot awards, cementing his status among the all-time greats. Ronaldo is Brazil's second all-time leading scorer (trailing only Pelé) with 62 goals in 98 caps for Seleção, none bigger than his famous brace in the 2002 World Cup Final against Germany that gave his country a 2-0 victory and a record fifth world title.
Featured here is a historically significant Ronaldo match worn jersey from his professional debut season with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. When he was just 16 years old, the storied Brazilian club signed Ronaldo and he made an immediate impact, scoring 44 goals in 47 matches and leading his team to its first Copa do Brasil in 1993. A year later, he left South America for Dutch club PSV and began his dominant professional run in Europe. Today, Ronaldo owns Cruzeiro (now in Brazil’s second division) and serves as president of La Liga club Valladolid.
The blue collared Cruzeiro jersey has the logos of sponsors Coca-Cola and Finta (Brazil-based sporting equipment co.) with five stars all in white on the front. His jersey uniform number "9” is pressed onto the back in applique with another Coca-Cola logo above. Inside the collar is a size large (“G”) flag tag. Wear is described as heavy by authenticator MEARS, most noticeable on the back number. What an important pro rookie/debut gamer from the budding teenaged superstar, representing perhaps the first time he ever seen wearing the iconic #9.
Includes LOA from MEARS and letter of provenance from the Brazil National Team’s Technical Coordinator, who is also the nephew of former CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) President Ricardo Teixeira.