Brazilian football legend Ronaldo recently surprised fans by revealing that he started his career not as a striker, but as a goalkeeper. Speaking on the online interview series Canal Zico 10, Ronaldo shared stories from the early stages of his football journey — a tale full of unexpected turns and resilience, as covered by Crickex App.
“My first stop in Europe was PSV Eindhoven,” Ronaldo recalled. “Back then, I didn’t care about the cold weather or anything else. All I wanted was to win.” Reflecting on his time at Real Madrid, he spoke with fondness: “My career at Madrid was beautiful. I was very happy there, especially during training.”
He singled out then-teammate and current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as a standout figure. “During training, you’d see a relaxed and elegant Zidane. He did things that were sometimes impossible to witness during matches. Whether on or off the pitch, my time at Real Madrid was always filled with joy.”
Ronaldo also spoke directly to the younger generation, encouraging them to stay committed. “Put in the effort, even when injured,” he advised. “Injuries can ultimately make you stronger — not just physically, but mentally too.”
When asked about his unusual start as a goalkeeper, Ronaldo laughed, “It was during a futsal trial at Valqueire. The competition was fierce — around 50 kids were trying out. I wanted to play as a right winger, but the only position with fewer players was goalkeeper. I wasn’t confident with my left foot at the time, so I ended up trying out in goal. I passed the test, but quickly switched positions during training — and I’ve never gone back since.”
The following year, Ronaldo joined the youth setup at São Paulo, where legendary player Jairzinho was coaching the first team. “At 15, I moved to Cruzeiro and played another year in the youth team,” he added.
From guarding the net to becoming one of the most prolific forwards in football history, Ronaldo’s story reminds us that the path to greatness isn’t always a straight line. As the saying goes, “every master was once a beginner” — and Ronaldo’s rise through the ranks is a testament to passion, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.