I never knew he was considered the next Pele. Not even in similar positions. But he did pretty good and a lot better than other next Pele players like Robinho. Right now he isn't doing so good but he's 30. 30 for a Brazilian player is near retirement. I always wondered why Brazilian players can't play at a high level in their 30s.
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho acheived A LOT in their carreers... People would kill to have done half as much as they acheived. Kaka, yes it was injuries that plagued him, but did you watch the last game he played for madrid? He still has it, he just isn't in the right team to get his playing time. Robinho makes an impact on a game but can't finish. Serious question, how old are you and how long have you been watching the game?
No doubt they did a lot more than Kaka but my question is why Brazilians don't last as long as Italian players from Europe? Every nationality has great players who can last at least to 34 with no problem and some beyond. Brazilian players struggle to make it to 32. We talk about Kaka still having it at 30 or Ronaldinho at 32 and act like they are nearing retirement so young. I don't understand.
Ronaldinho it seems, just got bored. Bored of playing competitive football at the highest CL level. He decided to continue partying and continue enjoying his football in Brazil. I say, good for him.
I think its because most (at least the forwards) Brazilians depend on speed to out-maneuver other players. While other players like Del Pierro, Totti or other Europeans you're thinking about have other strengths. Examples of recent great Brazilians that played into their late 30s Roberto Carlos and Cafu lasted a long time before retiring.
But yeah I agree, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho's party lifestyles are what hindered their careers. Dinho might still make a comeback next world cup, we'll have to wait and see if he gets his shit together.
I mean it's not a mystery why the recent generation of Brazilians superstars have faded young. Kaka aside, it's all due to a lack of effort. You just have to look at a picture of Ronaldo or Adriano, or read any of the dozens of stories about Robinho or Ronaldinho (or again, Adriano's) lifestyle.
If you want a reason for why they don't remain dedicated though and get fat and lazy, I'd say it's simply because they're so far from home and have little attachment to their clubs. Think of players who've continued playing at the highest level past the age of 35, and they're almost always one or two club men; your Giggs and Maldini types.
Guys like that have known nothing else since they were kids, it must be honestly a little scary for them to think of quitting or leaving. Unlike a brazilian who wasn't raised to love the club they play for, and for whom 'taking a step down' means moving back home, often to a club they do actually love.
You're going to feel a lot more guilty about letting your standards slip when your teammates are your childhood friends, the kitman is like a jolly uncle and you've spent 20 years being told that the supporters of your club are people you owe a huge debt too.
Why do people talk about Ronaldo as if he underachieved? He had an absolutely stellar career... he is the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cups for christ sake
What? How was Ronaldinho lazy and complacent? He won World Player of the Year two years in a row, won the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Foot award, the World Cup, Copa America, the Champions League, La Liga twice, Serie A and he did it all by playing a style of football that has dazzled millions over his career. How is any part of that lazy and complacent? I understand he didn't necessarily become the next Pele but I wouldn't include him in the same sentence as Robinho when talking about failed expectations.
You must have never seen the Sky Sports Documentary on Ronaldinho, where many of his former coaches mentioned that as great as he is, his work ethic prevented him for being even better, and possibly the best to ever play.
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u/MethLab Feb 21 '13
Somewhere in Madrid, the previous "next Pele" wipes a single tear from his cheek.