Original Ronaldo returns! Brazilian’s five best goals

Brazil icon Ronaldo, who is one of the best and most prolific strikers to have ever played football, has announced that he is to return to the game with North American Soccer League (NASL) outfit Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

The 38-year-old said: “It’s going to happen. I have already said so. But it’s going to be a bit later, in the playoffs. For now, we are organising it all, but I am going to have a [weight] goal.”

Ronaldo, who is part-owner of the American second-tier team based in Florida, will join fellow former Brazil internationals Romario, Zinho and Junior Baiano in playing for the club, that was known as Miami FC back then.

Despite suffering injuries and fitness issues throughout his career, Ronaldo was prolific everywhere he went, and turned out for the likes of Clasico rivals Real Madrid (3/1 Champions League chances) and Barcelona (7/2). He also played for now fallen San Siro giants Inter and AC Milan.

So, with the double Word Cup winner and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year choosing to return to game when he get back in shape, Coral have picked out five of his best goals to refresh you memories of the legend.

Barcelona v Compostela
Under the late Sir Bobby Robson, a slim and agile Ronaldo sent aptly-named then-La Liga team Compostela back into the earth, by running round their whole team before scoring in 1996. He hit a hat-trick that day and made an assist, and the club never really recovered as they can now be seen in the Spanish third-tier. We’ve picked out this memorable strike to relive again:

Barcelona v Valencia
Another strike in Barca colours, and in similar vein to the above goal in the same month, as his trickery and pace was too much for mere mortals. Ronaldo ended that 1996/97 season having netted 47 times in 49 games.

Brazil v Norway
Ronaldo’s performances did not go unnoticed after moving to Europe, firstly with PSV Eindhoven, and his fifth goal of a total of 62 for the Samba Boys was arguably his best for his country. Against Norway in a friendly in 1997, he danced around defenders in the box before smashing in a shot into the top left corner of the net. Footage from 5:12:

Real Madrid v Manchester United
His whole match performance was worthy of praise in this Champions League second leg quarter-final at Old Trafford in 2003, as he hit yet another hat-trick, with his third being the pick of the bunch. He was applauded by both sets of crowds after being substituted.

Real Madrid v Real Mallorca
Ronaldo played for Los Blancos more than any other club, and here is another sensational effort, this time in 2005. While his frame had increased by this stage, his skill and finishing were still unstoppable for opponents.