Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, widely hailed as one of football’s greatest strikers, is remembered not only for his phenomenal achievements but also for his fiery spirit.
With a career spanning clubs like Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians, the Brazilian icon scored 352 goals in 518 club appearances, and 62 goals in 98 caps for the Brazil national team. He won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1997 and 2002, and played alongside legends like Zidane, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, and David Beckham.
Ronaldo’s Early Stardom at PSV
Ronaldo’s journey to European football began in 1994 when Ernie Brandts, then assistant coach at PSV Eindhoven, discovered his talent. Brandts recalled being “shocked” after watching the 16-year-old train in Brazil, even questioning whether someone that young could possess such extraordinary ability. PSV eventually signed Ronaldo for over €14 million following Brazil’s 1994 World Cup win.
Despite initial challenges adapting to life in the Netherlands, Ronaldo made an explosive debut, scoring just 10 minutes into his first match against Vitesse on August 28, 1994. He finished his debut season with 33 goals in 35 appearances, earning adoration from fans who routinely chanted his name throughout matches.
The Infamous Outburst
In his second season at PSV (1995–96), Ronaldo’s momentum was interrupted by injuries. As frustration mounted, tensions also arose within the squad. Some teammates complained about his perceived lack of discipline in training.
The situation escalated when then-coach Dick Advocaat criticized Ronaldo, prompting an explosive reaction. Ronaldo reportedly called his coach “an idiot”, a moment that stunned many.
In a later interview with Voetbal International, Advocaat confirmed the incident, “Yes, he did say that. Ronaldo was out injured for a long time in his second year. We used Rene Eijkelkamp in his place. When Ronaldo recovered, he demanded to start in the Cup final against Sparta. I didn’t want to take the risk, and he got very angry and said some harsh words. But we had no lasting problems.”
Advocaat even reflected warmly on his bond with the young Brazilian, “At times, I felt like a father to him. After away games, he’d fall asleep on the bus with his head resting on my shoulder. He was open and had his personal struggles, but to me, he was a sweet kid.”
That brief confrontation never defined Ronaldo’s relationship with his coaches or teammates. On the contrary, it only underscored the passion and self-belief that fueled his historic rise. Ronaldo would go on to become one of the most beloved figures in football history—proving that sometimes, true greatness comes with both raw emotion and unmatched brilliance.