Ronaldo: A Great Source Of Inspiration For Many People And Football Communities Worldwide -

Ronaldo at a Nike event addressing the public

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima (R9), a football legend who retired in 2011, views his position among Brazil’s top players as a continuum rather than a ranking of power. He emulated national heroes like Pele and purposefully positioned his own post-professional career to help pave the way for the next generation of players, such as Vini Jr., a 24-year-old striker.

He used to adore Ronaldo, but now he is the national hero. His ability to do so with grace, now that his playing days are over, has given him a keen self-awareness and taught anyone watching a younger generation perform lessons.

One of Ronaldo’s childhood football idols was the Brazilian Zico, whose real name was Arthur Antunes Coimbra. Zico was an attacking midfielder who made waves throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“I was crazy about him,” says R9. “I watched him play every match, watched every interview. There was one interview where he explained how he trained to kick with his left foot. He picked a spot on the wall and kicked it with his left foot hundreds of times. I saw that and immediately went outside and started kicking 100, 150 shots against the wall with my left.”

His enamored mimicry of his favorite athletes has returned full circle. It’s interesting to note that Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid first met Ronaldo at a Nike event when the young football player was sixteen years old, but his admiration for the legend predates that meeting.

Because of his admiration, Vini Jr. decided to paint a mural of R9 in his home gym.

“Meeting him was like meeting a superhero,” the star says. “Over time, we’ve gotten closer. He’s become a friend, always giving me amazing advice.”

Ronaldo freely offers that counsel. In fact, he sees it as a national duty rather than a matter of personal altruism.

Ronaldo, One Of Brazil’s Greatest Players, To Run For The Position Of Football President

Ronaldo and many other Brazilians are also revered in other football communities. Ronaldo has learned to value the sport’s ability to transport people as a mentor to young athletes.

“I think people from the favelas, from poor communities, look to us as football players and see in the sport a path to a better life — for themselves individually and for their families,” he says. “Millions of kids are inspired by the football players in Brazil because they represent something more than success.”