The Phenomenon is Over

This past Monday, February 14, 2011 saw the closing of the career of one of the most brilliant soccer players of all time, Ronaldo. It is sad to see him go because he was such a captivating sight when he was healthy. I loved the way he would pick up the ball from anywhere on the pitch and haul ass directly into the opposing defense daring them to stop him.

In my estimation, he is the greatest player of all time because of the way he influenced games. He scored many crucial goals throughout his career at the club and international level, including the two goals in the 2002 World Cup against the great German keeper Oliver Khan and many goals in UEFA competition (including finals).

Many often speak about "what could have been" when looking back on Ronaldo's career because of all the fatal injuries he had. I don't like to think this way, especially about Ronaldo, because he had an unbelievable career regardless. Sure he did miss many years and probably played in many games when he wasn't fit, but there is no denying that he transformed as a player so he could perform at the highest of levels despite his unfortunate knee problems.

I also get extremely annoyed when he is referred to as "gordo" (fat) or fat Ronaldo because it is simply unfair to call him that. He was accused of being fat when playing for Real Madrid, but I remember Ronaldo running by people and scoring a multitude of goals in his second stint in the Spanish liga.

I believe Ronaldo played the game of soccer better than anyone because of his ability to adapt to many leagues and his insatiable desire to score goals. He took by storm the Brazilian, Dutch, Spanish, and Italian leagues with his slaloming runs and deadly finishing skills. He could finish from anywhere near the goal, set up his teammates, or weave through a defense on his own.



It is sad to see such a wonderful player exit the game, but his decision was definitely the right one. The great game of soccer will never be the same without Ronaldo, a true phenomenon.