Legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Nazario arrived at Henderson Sports and Social Club in a white limousine on a chilly Essex morning recently. Ronaldo appeared in the game as part of an “ultimate Super Sub” campaign and the FIFA World Cup winner ended up playing for Phoenix FC, who are presently in last place in NWL Division 8. The now 47-year-old ex-professional, who was brought in as a super-sub with his team trailing 4-0, gave their struggling line-up a lift. Thirteen years after hanging up his boots, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona footballer decided to play again for “one of the worst teams in England” when they emerged victorious in a Paddy Power-hosted social media competition.
Ronaldo, donning the number 17, made a nice start, taking the kick-off with a rabona, exhibiting the Samba flair and skills. Sadly, not even a player of Ronaldo’s stature could help the side overturn a massive deficit, as Phoenix FC succumbed to a harrowing 7-0 defeat.
Ronaldo had to be taken off the field by Phoenix FC boss Brian Edwards after he was called offside and appeared to be distracted by his phone. “The lads couldn’t believe it when Ronaldo showed up – I hadn’t registered him, so used the name “Dave Walsh” and put him on the bench,” Edwards said, as per Football London.
“Sadly, he was anything but a Super Sub. He was late by the time he got changed, and we were already well behind by the time I could put him on – but it’s definitely a moment I’ll remember forever. The rest of his performance? Less memorable.”
Ronaldo’s antics in Essex were all a part of a scripted clip that was shared on Paddy Power’s social media networks to introduce the new betting feature Super Sub, which transfers bets when a player is substituted. One fan even dressed up as Ronaldo with a 1998 haircut for the occasion.
We sent Ronaldo to play for one of the worst Sunday League teams in England.Unfortunately, not every Super Sub will work out…
???? 18+ BeGambleAware pic.twitter.com/10mhwVA0HM
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 11, 2024
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro, scoring 44 goals in 47 appearances before moving to Europe at the age of 17. He joined Dutch side PSV immediately after winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1994. He would go on to play for Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, before retiring from the sport in 2011. He won two Ballon d’Ors (1997 and 2002) as well.
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