Brazilian Legend Ronaldo Opens Up About Depression and Weight Gain After Football Retirement

Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian football legend known for leading Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup and earning the Golden Boot, shared a rare and candid revelation about his struggles after retiring from professional football. Speaking at a panel featuring football greats including Romário and Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo disclosed that leaving the sport felt like losing someone very close to him. He revealed that he suffered from severe depression and significant weight gain during that difficult period.

Ronaldo described the emotional toll of retirement, saying, "The thought that I would never play again was devastating." Despite the hardship, he conveyed a message of hope, explaining that over time he realized there were other paths in life and opportunities to reinvent himself. However, the fear of never competing again lingered in his mind for a long time. Now 49 years old, Ronaldo’s openness sheds light on the mental health challenges athletes can face after their careers end.