Phenomenon
Phenomenon is the rip-roaring story of Brazilian legend Ronaldo, examining the incredible career and life of the greatest number nine in football history.
‘The Phenomenon’ – as he was dubbed by the Italian media as he tore apart the toughest league in the world in the late ’90s – was the heir apparent to Pelé. His incredible career had it all: from a meteoric rise and jubilant highs to the crushing lows of debilitating injuries, and everything imaginable in between.
Never without his trademark infectious grin, the breathtakingly brilliant Rio native combined pace and strength that frightened the best defenders in the world, with balletic agility, poise and composure that contradicted his powerful frame.
Phenomenon explores Ronaldo’s roller-coaster ride, from local youth football to the biggest clubs in the world. From the mysterious heartbreak of the 1998 World Cup Final in Paris, to triumphant redemption in the Far East four years later. It’s a story that would make Hollywood scriptwriters blush.
Daniel Williamson is a Latin American Studies graduate from Manchester, who has been published online, in print and appeared on various podcasts with a focus on the history of South American football. Phenomenon: The Life & Career of Brazil’s Ronaldo is his third book with Pitch Publishing, following When Two Worlds Collide (2022) and Blue & Gold Passion (2020).