Who is the 'new Ronaldo' of Brazil?
Who is the 'new Ronaldo' of Brazil?
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| Vitor Roque(Twitter) |
The match was against Argentina. On March 23, 1994, Ronaldo Nazario was crowned in Brazil's jersey against their arch-rivals. At 17 years, 6 months, and 2 days old, Ronaldo became the youngest player to represent Brazil in this century.
Within 18 days, he surpassed Pele's record. However, another opportunity awaits. If he is crowned against Morocco, in this century, Roque will become the youngest player to be consecrated in Brazil's jersey.
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| Vitor Roque(Twitter) |
Roque has the chance to be crowned in Brazil's jersey, even as the youngest player. The friendly match against Morocco, just like Ronaldo's coronation in March, will undoubtedly be marked in history for Roque!
The name Rocky may remind some of Sylvester Stallone's character. There is a separate implication of the movie "Rocky" starring Stallone in the 1970s. This series of films, based on boxing, was written by Stallone. The birth of the character "Rocky Balboa" served as an inspiration to awaken the dreams of American youth in "American Dreams." Brazil's Roque is also showing such dreams.
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— Athletico Paranaense (@AthleticoPR) May 19, 2023
Agora o trajeto é de ônibus até Atibaia (SP). #Athletico #Brasileirão pic.twitter.com/X69FwMVcGW
After the retirement of Diego Maradona, Brazil has been searching for their "Number 9." Years go by, seasons come and go, and strikers come and go, but no one matches the expectations. Brazilian fans haven't found anyone who can revive the faith in the opposition's box. They had placed their trust in Richardson in the World Cup in Qatar. The reward has been minimal. Although Richardson cannot be directly called "like Ronaldo" in terms of playing style and skill, the dream is still alive.
Just as discussions about the "new Maradona" arise almost every season, Brazil also refers to someone who wears the number 9 jersey as the "new Ronaldo."
Vitor Roque
Roque is also burdened with this expectation. However, it is not entirely imposed. It is precisely Roque's talent, complete at the age of 18, that brings him closer to becoming one of the best strikers of all time. How far he can go, time will tell. But dreams are meant to be seen!
In Brazil, Roque is living his dream after winning the South American Under-20 Championship in February. Under the guidance of coach Ramon Meneses, he scored six goals in the tournament, becoming the joint top scorer. Following this success, the interim coach of the national team announced his selection for the senior squad. The rest of Roque's journey now depends on himself.
Not only Ronaldo, but also some people refer to him as the "Luis Suarez of Brazil" or the "Sergio Aguero of Brazil." The weight of expectations keeps increasing day by day. However, with Roque's victory in the Under-20 Championship, wearing the number 9 jersey, and possessing a strong physique, memories of the legendary "Phenomenon" resurface.
Ronaldo began his professional career at Cruzeiro. It is often said that every footballer remembers their first goal in their professional career. Did Ronaldo also remember his first goal at the age of 16 for Cruzeiro? If so, Roque has a similar memory to cherish.
When Ronaldo arrived at Cruzeiro, his first club, in December 2021, Roque had already begun his journey as a professional footballer for the same team two months prior. Just like Ronaldo, at the age of 16, Roque achieved this milestone and scored his first professional goal in February 2022. Reflecting on that goal, Roque expressed, "No one forgets their first goal. It feels incredible. Being part of Ronaldo's team brings me immense joy."
However, Ronaldo may not appreciate the comparison. In the "derby" between Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro, Roque, the youngest goal scorer on the list, has overshadowed the "Phenomenon." It's amusing to say the least. Challenging talent feels satisfying! Ronaldo couldn't outshine Roque at Cruzeiro. Subsequently, he moved to PSG.
In Roque's case, it's not the same. Cruzeiro accused him of being approached by his agent, who lured him away from the club to join Atletico Paranaense. Roque did not leave the club for free, though. He was bought by Paranaense for 4.4 million euros, which is their club record. Paranaense released a clause worth 24 million Brazilian reals.
Why is the release clause so high? Roque will explain that after six weeks. As an athlete, he set the record for the youngest goal scorer in the league and Copa Libertadores. This earned him great praise from Luiz Felipe Scolari. "Big Phil" joined Paranaense as the technical director in May last year. He was also responsible for managing the team. He witnessed Ronaldo's best time as a coach when he led Brazil to win the 2002 World Cup. Twenty-one years ago, it was under his guidance that Ronaldo lifted the World Cup trophy.
How does Roque compare to Ronaldo? Let's hear it from Scolari himself. "Whatever we tell him, he can do it. But his best position is number 9. He knows how to play there. He can find his place. At least in my playing career, I didn't want to confront a number 9 like him."
If you remember Ronaldo's playing days at Barcelona or Inter Milan, you might find some similarities. Before his speed decreased due to injuries, Ronaldo had the habit of receiving the ball in midfield and taking it to the box. Roque has developed a similar habit after the encounter with the number 9. After the incident, he can excel as a wide striker. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in him.
