Ronaldo Nazário’s journey from football icon to business mastermind

R9

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known to fans worldwide simply as Ronaldo or 'R9', is one of football’s all-time greats. His remarkable combination of flair, physical power, speed and deadly accuracy made him unforgettable on the pitch—and that legacy endures as he forges his path in the business world.

Running for president

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

The football icon won everything on the pitch, and now he wants to give back by running for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). He has announced he will run to replace Ednaldo Rodrigues in 2026.

Still winning off the pitch

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Since retiring, Ronaldo has kept up his winning ways outside of the game. Let's take a quick look back at his life and how he got here today.

Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Born in 1976 in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo spent his childhood in the neighbourhood of Bento Ribeiro, on the outskirts of the city. He came from a humble family and started playing football at an early age, as told by Sky Sports.

His first club

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo's first club, São Cristóvão, was located near where he lived, in the north of Rio de Janeiro. Today, its stadium even bears the star's name: Estádio Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima.

From his home town to Cruzeiro

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In 1993, Jairzinho, a player who helped Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, assisted Ronaldo in transferring from his local team to Cruzeiro, a team from Minas Gerais. He made his debut at just 16 years old.

Off to Europe

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In the Minas Gerais team, Ronaldo began to draw attention. He was the standout of the 1993 Brazilian championship and became the top scorer of the regional league. Recognising his talent, European clubs began making their offers, and Ronaldo was sold to PSV for $6 million (£4.92m/€5.76m).

PSV Eindhoven

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

At the Dutch club, Ronaldo played from 1994 to 1996. These two brilliant seasons made him one of the most coveted players on the planet.

1994 World Cup

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo would also be called up for Brazil in what became their fourth World Cup win in 1994, though he would remain on the bench the entire time and never stepped onto the pitch during the tournament, as told by FourFourTwo.

FC Barcelona and the best player in the world

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

After his success in the Netherlands, Ronaldo joined FC Barcelona in 1996. In addition to having his best season in terms of goals, he won the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the European Cup. He even became FIFA's World Player of the Year that year.

Inter Milan

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Even though he was expected to continue at FC Barcelona, Inter Milan offered a lot of money for the Brazilian. $32 million (£26.24m/ €30.72m) for the termination of his Barcelona contract was an offer that no one could refuse, and in July 1997, Ronaldo would make his debut for the Italian team, as reported by Goal.

Once again, the best in the world

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In the same year, he was named FIFA's World Player of the Year for the second time. His performances were so impressive that he became known as 'O Fenômeno' (The Phenomenon).

The 1998 World Cup Final

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo was in great shape and his timing was extraordinary, but for some reason, Brazil could not beat France in the 1998 World Cup final. Later, it would become known that Ronaldo had suffered seizures during the tournament.

In shock

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Former Brazilian striker Edmundo told the ESPN Intelligence podcast: "I saw Ronaldo having the seizure and I went screaming through the hallways to ask for help." It happened on the day before the World Cup final and left the entire team in shock. France beat Brazil the next day 3-0 and became the world champion for the first time.

Rise and fall

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Back in Italy, Ronaldo's numbers at Inter showed that he was in excellent form: 59 goals in 99 games from 1997 to 2002. But it was also at this club that the footballer suffered his worst injuries.

Injuries

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

On April 12, 2000, Ronaldo shocked the world in one of the most painful scenes in football. His right knee caved out of place, and the injury would keep him off the field for over a year, as told by The Guardian.

Overcoming hardships

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

After a long recovery, Ronaldo got back in shape and shone at the 2002 World Cup in Japan. Together with his Brazilian teammates, he lifted Brazil's fifth World Cup trophy.

From Italy back to Spain

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In August 2002, Ronaldo said goodbye to Inter Milan and went to Real Madrid in Spain, where he stayed for five seasons. The team also boasted several 'Galáticos' at the time, with the likes of Luís Figo, Zinédine Zidane, Raúl and Roberto Carlos all on the payroll.

Real Madrid

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

With the best players in the world on the field, Real Madrid won the 2002 Intercontinental Cup, the Supercopa, and the Spanish Championship. Ronaldo stood out again. For the third time, he was named FIFA's Player of the Year.

Retirement

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Before retiring, Ronaldo returned to play for a Brazilian team, Corinthians, in 2009. Though he was out of shape, he surprised the fans and helped the club win the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Paulista. Despite the great work on the pitch, Ronaldo announced his retirement in 2011.

Businessman

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Though Ronaldo stopped playing football, he continued to make money. As time goes on, he appears to be part of a select group of athletes who know how to invest their money in successful businesses.

President of Real Valladolid

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo became Real Valladolid’s majority shareholder and president in September 2018 when he acquired a 51% stake for €30 million ($34.9m/£26.7m). On 23 May 2025, the club revealed that he had agreed to sell his controlling interest to a consortium of investors.

Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

He followed that up in December 2021 by acquiring 90% of Brazilian club Cruzeiro's shares, for a total of R$400 million ($79m/£64.78m/€75.84m).

A good investment

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

He sold the club in April 2024, for a reported $117 million (£95.94m/€112.32m), as reported by ESPN.

Owner of Octagon Brazil

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Additionally, he is the co-owner of the sports and entertainment marketing agency Octagon Brasil, a media and content startup that produces movies, series, sports broadcasts, and digital formats.

The Phenomenon in a documentary

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In October 2022, the production company released a documentary about Ronaldo's career. The film focuses especially on the period between 1998 and 2002, with revelations about the 1998 World Cup final.

Image Credit: DAZN

R9 Asset & Financial Management

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

But it doesn't stop there! He also created the start-up R9, which offers other players Wealth & Financial Management services.

Personal life

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Ronaldo married his first wife, Milene Domingues, in Rio de Janeiro in 1999 (pictured). Though the couple divorced in 2003, they had one son, Ronald Nazário Lima, born in 2000.

A very brief marriage

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

Two years after separating from Milene, Ronaldo married the Brazilian presenter and model Daniela Cicarelli in February 2005. The relationship ended three months later, in May of the same year, as reported by the Daily Mail.

One more son

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In 2005, Alexander Nazário de Lima was born as a result of an affair between Ronaldo and beautician Michele Umezu. His paternity was confirmed through a DNA test carried out in 2009, when the boy was five years old, according to The Daily Mail.

Maria Beatriz Antony

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In 2008, Ronaldo remarried, this time to Maria Beatriz Antony, with whom he had two daughters: Maria Sofia and Maria Alice Nazário de Lima. However, in 2012, the couple announced their separation.

Celina Locks

Running for president, Still winning off the pitch, Humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro, His first club, From his home town to Cruzeiro, Off to Europe, PSV Eindhoven, 1994 World Cup, FC Barcelona and the best player in the world, Inter Milan, Once again, the best in the world, The 1998 World Cup Final, In shock, Rise and fall, Injuries, Overcoming hardships, From Italy back to Spain, Real Madrid, Retirement, Businessman, President of Real Valladolid, Owner of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, A good investment, Owner of Octagon Brazil, The Phenomenon in a documentary, R9 Asset & Financial Management, Personal life, A very brief marriage, One more son, Maria Beatriz Antony, Celina Locks

In 2015, Ronaldo began to share his life with model and businesswoman Celina Locks. She has a great relationship with her stepchildren: "They will always be my babies," she said in an interview with Quem magazine.

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