12 July 1998, Paris. It’s the FIFA World Cup – France vs. Brazil. Brazil has the unstoppable Ronaldo (O Fenômeno – the Phenomenon) on their side, and crowds are expecting a Brazilian win. 

Suddenly before the match, it’s announced Ronaldo isn’t going to play. Then, suddenly, he is. Nations watch, confused, as Brazil’s best player wanders the pitch like a sleepwalker with glazed eyes, and witness Brazil’s defeat of 3-0. So what actually happened?

In this podcast episode, Mehreen and Simon tackle the conspiracy theories, mysteries, and intrigue leading up to the memorable FIFA World Cup of 1998. They track Ronaldo’s early life in Brazil, his time at PSV Eindhoven, and the footballer’s incredible rise to dominance, with stats aged 20 better than Pelé.

Ronaldo R9, a cult icon, captured the world’s attention in the 1990s by aggressively dominating the pitch. Did he have a panic attack or fit before the game? Was he drugged to ensure a French win? Was he a pawn of Nike, who had an unusual amount of control over the Brazilian team?

This is an episode for mystery lovers, true crime lovers, and football fans alike. 

Time stamps:

0:36 : Setting the scene: The day of the ‘98 World Cup Final

7:15 : Ronaldo’s stats and playing career

12:34 : Teen years and move to the Netherlands

22:14 : Joining and leaving Barça

27:16 : World Cup time

34:10 : Brazil reaches the final 

39:18 : Conspiracy theories go wild

46:33 : Parliamentary enquiry, and a potential epileptic fit

54:03 : More conspiracy theories (there’s a lot)

1:00:05 : Is the simplest theory the correct one?

1:00:07 : Ronaldo’s career, 1998-2002

1:12:48 : Later life and children (and why McDonald’s is so important)

1:16:21 : Ronaldo R9’s legacy and influence

Like this episode? Make sure to vote for Heroes & Humans of Football at the Sports Podcast Awards https://bit.ly/4fkQ8uA 

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