Last update 6 December, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
He Ronaldo signing for Barcelona marked a before and after in the career of the Brazilian star. And in the summer of 1996, The world of football witnessed one of the most shocking signings of the decade: Ronaldo Nazario, a young Brazilian striker with enormous talent, arrived at Football Club Barcelona coming from the PSV Eindhoven.
That move not only marked the beginning of a brief but intense relationship between the Rio star and the Catalan club., but also gave way to one of the most memorable seasons in the history of football on an individual level.. The superiority of one of the best forwards in history It was overwhelming that year..
This article explores the details of that transfer in depth., the impact Ronaldo had on the team, and how his only season at Barcelona left an indelible mark on both the club and football fans.
The context of Ronaldo's signing for Barcelona
In 1996, Ronaldo Nazário only had 19 years, but he was already considered one of the greatest promises in world football. had shone with cruise in Brazil and later in the PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 54 goals in 58 official matches. His explosiveness, His finishing ability and ability to overcome defenses with ease made him a priority target for the big clubs in Europe.. Furthermore, it was already world champion with Brazil pese a not having played a minute in the USA 94.
The Barcelona, under the presidency of Josep Lluís Núñez and the technical direction of English Bobby Robson, He saw in Ronaldo the key piece to revitalize the team after a season without titles. The Catalan club bet heavily on him, paying 2.500 million pesetas (some 15 millions of euros), which made him the most expensive signing in the world at that time.
The season 1996-1997: Ronaldo's explosion
In his only season with Barcelona, Ronaldo showed why he was considered a prodigy. Dressed in the Blaugrana shirt, dazzled fans with his combination of speed, technique and physical power.
During the campaign 1996-1997, the one known in Spain as the ‘Star League‘, the Brazilian scored 47 goals in 49 official matches. An impressive record that established him as one of the best forwards on the planet.
How many titles did Ronaldo win in one season with Barcelona?
Ronaldo's explosion was immediate, from his first day as a culé. Barça had a great season that was only missing the finishing touch of the League, remaining runner-up behind the Capello's Real Madrid. And his contribution was key for Barcelona to win three titles that season.:
- King's Cup: Ronaldo had his share of goals but did not play in the final against Real Betis, that Barcelona won by 3-2 in extra time in none other than the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
- European Cup Winners' Cup: In this international tournament, The Brazilian was once again a prominent figure, helping the team lift the trophy after beating Paris Saint-Germain by 1-0 in the final with a goal precisely from the Brazilian star.
- Spain Supercup: Ronaldo contributed of course with goals and very brilliant performances to Barcelona's victory in the tournament that opens the season in Spain. It was against Atlético de Madrid who had just scored the double a few months before.
The iconic goal against Compostela
One of Ronaldo's most iconic moments with Barcelona was his spectacular goal against SD Compostela in october 1996. In that play, started from midfield, he bypassed several defenders with a mix of strength, technique and speed, and defined with astonishing coldness. That goal is considered one of the best goals in football history and encapsulates the genius of the Brazilian.
The abrupt end of his time at Barcelona
Despite his success in the field, The relationship between Ronaldo and Barcelona quickly broke down. Negotiations to renew his contract failed due to financial disagreements and the intervention of the Inter de Milan, that he was willing to pay the player's termination clause, valued at 4.000 million pesetas (some 24 millions of euros).
In the summer of 1997, after only one season at the Camp Nou, Ronaldo left Barcelona to join Inter, breaking the hearts of the Blaugrana fans and marking the beginning of his stage in Italy. Despite his short stay at the Catalan club, Ronaldo's blow was so great that fans still remember him as one of the best forwards who have ever worn the Barça shirt.. And all despite the fact that he later scored more than 100 goals with Real Madrid where he played 5 seasons.
A year that marked its history
Although his time at Barcelona was brief, Ronaldo left his mark on the club's history. His spectacular goals, his bursts of speed and his association with Ivan de la Peña, transcended titles and statistics, as he redefined what was expected of a center forward in modern football. His style of play initiated generations of footballers and consolidated Barcelona as an attractive destination for the world's greatest talents..
Besides, your season 1996-1997 It is considered one of the best individual performances by a player in the history of Spanish football., and remains a reference point for fans and analysts.
That is why without a doubt, Ronaldo's signing for Barcelona in 1996 marked a before and after. Although his time at the Camp Nou was so brief. His season with Barcelona not only showed his extraordinary talent, but also cemented his place in the elite of world football.
For Barcelona, Ronaldo Nazario will always be remembered as a shooting star who illuminated the Camp Nou with his magic, leaving a memory that continues despite having passed a few decades.