RONALDO

International Brazilian soccer star now playing for Madrid, Spain, 1976 -

Ronaldo was born Luis Nazario de Lima in the poor suburbs of Rio de Janeiro.  He was playing tean soccer by age 12 and at age 17 was selected to be on the Brazil national team.  In 1995 he was signed with the professional team of Barcelona, Spain and in 1996 and 1997 was voted Player of the Year.  In 2001 he was signed by the team, Real Madrid, and again in 2002 won Player of the year.

He is extremely popular with young people and children.  He is known for his shaved head, his front tooth gap and his utter joy of playing the game.

He has also been an active advocate for world-wide child literacy programs.

Below, Ronaldo with his friend, French soccer player Zinedine Zidane.  The two are the only players to win Player of the Year three times.

In 2003, Ronaldo grew a little, cresant-shaped patch of hair on his head.  It was widely imitated by young boys around the world.

In May of 2005, Ronaldo organized a soccer match between Israeli and Palistinian youth, to great acclaim around the world.

(NOTE:  See also BOOKS, "Ronaldo")

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