Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, or simply Ronaldo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, having won numerous trophies and individual awards throughout his illustrious career. However, Ronaldo also had to deal with a serious cardiovascular condition that almost ended his career prematurely.
In 1998, during the FIFA World Cup in France, Ronaldo suffered a convulsive fit before the final match against France. He was initially excluded from the starting lineup, but inexplicably showed up just minutes before kick-off. Despite his apparent physical impairment, Ronaldo played the game, which Brazil lost 3-0.
It was later revealed that Ronaldo had suffered a seizure, caused by a pre-existing cardiovascular condition. He was diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition characterized by a rapid heart rate, which can cause fainting, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
This condition was caused by a combination of factors, including a congenital heart defect and excessive body weight. Ronaldo was known for his large frame, standing at 6’2” and weighing around 90 kg during his playing days. This put a lot of strain on his heart, which had to work harder to oxygenate his body.
After the 1998 World Cup incident, Ronaldo underwent a series of medical tests and consultations, during which he was advised to lose weight and undergo corrective surgery to address his heart condition. He adhered to these recommendations and gradually slimmed down, losing over 10 kg in the process.
In 2002, Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Brazil’s World Cup triumph in Japan and South Korea, scoring eight goals throughout the tournament, including two in the final against Germany. He was awarded the Golden Boot as the top scorer of the competition and was hailed as a hero in his homeland.
Ronaldo’s recovery from his heart condition is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite facing a potentially career-ending setback, he worked hard to regain his fitness and produce some of the greatest performances in football history.
In conclusion, Ronaldo suffered from tachycardia, a cardiovascular condition that caused a rapid heart rate and impaired his physical abilities. This condition was caused by a combination of a congenital heart defect and his excessive body weight. Ronaldo was advised to lose weight and undergo corrective surgery, which he did. He returned to play at the highest level and won the World Cup in 2002, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time.
