HE’S NOT JUST FAT: Football legend – The original Ronaldo still has the skills to put defenders to shame

Real Madrid legends faced off against AS Roma legends last week and fans, both aged and young, we blessed to be in the presence of greats – football legends, the best ever to have graced football fields all over the world, breaking records and producing memorable moments while at it.


However, nothing was more pleasing than having to watch one of the best footballers ever display his magic once again at the Santiago Bernabeau. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo or the ‘original Ronaldo’ started for Los Blancos, six years after he retired from professional football – ending his career with a brief spell at Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

Ronaldo’s return was undoubtedly the biggest talking point, with start like Luis Figo, Fernando Morientes, Raul and Roberto Carlos also making an appearance.


On his good days, it was safe to say that Ronaldo was the complete footballer. With skill, pace, power and the ability to finish, he guided his country Brazil to beating Germany 2-0 in a World Cup final.

When he stepped on to the pitch again for Madrid, fans can agree that despite his illness, he still has the ability to turn defences inside and out – just like he did donning his signature haircut.


Hypothyroidism – a disorder that causes unnecessary weight gain made Ronaldo lose his fitness as a footballer but never lost the love for the game. It was indeed a spectacle – one to savour – seeing one of the greats in football history walk onto the pitch again.

The match ended 4-0 in favour of Real Madrid.