Brazilian icon Ronaldo may have become a legend at Real Madrid but his journey to stardom could have been a lot different as he played for Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona six years before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.
After moving to Europe after the 1994 World Cup, Ronaldo excelled in Holland with PSV Eindhoven and finished his time in the Eredivisie with a phenomenal 54 goals in 58 games – which earned him a lucrative transfer to Barcelona, which was then a world-record at £19.5m.
The South American made his Barcelona debut in the 1996 Spanish Super Cup first-leg against Atletico Madrid, where he made an instant impression by scoring two goals in a 5-2 victory – alongside some very familiar names.
GK: Vitor Baia
Won a sensational 27 titles in two spells with Porto, either side of two years with Barcelona. Image Source: Twitter
RB: Miguel Angel Nadal
Nicknamed 'The Beast', Nadal is the uncle of tennis sensation Rafael. Image Source: Twitter
CB: Gheorghe Popescu
Signed in 1995 from Tottenham, the Romanian defender captained Barca.
Image Source: Twitter
LB: Sergi Barjuan
Spent a decade with Barcelona, was recently announced as manager for RCD Mallorca. Image Source: Twitter
DM: Pep Guardiola
His relationship with Jose Mourinho is a little different these days...
Image Source: Twitter
RM: Luis Enrique
Won nine trophies in three years as Barca manager but isn't too popular. Image Source: Twitter
LM: Guillermo Amor
Recently left Adelaide United after three-years in charge. Image Source: Twitter
AM: Giovanni
Became a legend at Olympiacos and once compared Louis van Gaal to Hitler. Image Source: Twitter
RW: Luis Figo
Angered supporters by joining Real Madrid and had a pig's head thrown at him. Image Source: Twitter
LW: Hristo Stoichkov
1994 Ballon d'Or winner and widely regarded as the greatest Bulgarian player of all time. Image Source: Twitter
ST: Ronaldo
What would he have achieved if he stayed with Barcelona? Image Source: Twitter
SUB: Abelardo Fernandez
Spent eight years at Barcelona, resigned as Sporting Gijon manager in January. Image Source: Twitter
SUB: Ivan de la Pena
With a small frame and shaved head, he was known as 'little Buddha'. Image Source: Twitter
SUB: Juan Antonio Pizzi
Was a journeyman throughout his career but has found stability in management.
Image Source: Twitter
SUB: Julen Lopetegui
Faces a test next summer to get Spain back to their best after a woeful few years. Image Source: Twitter
Remarkably, nine members of Sir Bobby Robson’s squad for the 5-2 victory over Atletico Madrid have gone on to become managers, five of whom have led international sides ranging from Bulgaria to Spain, whilst Nadal and Giovanni have other roles in football.
The 1996 Super Cup-winning side has had a lasting impact on football and Robson’s management likely played a huge part in their successes at managerial level – but it’s easy to wonder how much they might have achieved had Ronaldo stayed at the club.
After just one year in Catalonia, Ronaldo moved to Inter Milan amidst financial problems with a contract negotiation and returned to Spanish football after winning the World Cup in 2002, becoming a legend at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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