Ronaldo!: 21 Years of Genius and 90 Minutes That Shook the World

by Wensley Clarkson

It should have been a day of crowning glory for one of the world's most impressive footballers. Instead, it literally brought the talented young star to his knees. His worst nightmare came true, and he failed to deliver in the most important game of his life. Investigative journalist Wensley Clarkson charts Ronaldo's career, from his humble beginnings in the Rio slums through his rise to internaitonal stardom. He also reveals the events that led to his performance in Paris on July 12th 1998.

Genres: Biography, Football, Nonfiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1998, arguably at the height of Ronaldo's fame and popularity as one of the best players in the world and on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats. It is a biography that culminates in the 1998 World Cup final and the immediate aftermath of that game and what happened to Ronaldo on the day of the final (and the years of build up that may have/did contribute to it).

This isn't an authorised biography but Ronaldo nor his agent tried to stop the book being published. The author spoke to many people in Rio who knew Ronaldo to try and get their thoughts about him. Some were on record, some were not.

Like any biography about a person/athlete only at the beginning of their career (Ronaldo retired 13 years after this was released) it lacks a bit of depth but there are plenty of quotes throughout from those close to Ronaldo and the wider footballing world. Recommended for football fans from that era. Ronaldo was without a doubt one of the most exhilarating players I have ever seen and this book