Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has opened up about one of the darkest chapters of his life, revealing that he suffered from severe depression and gained a significant amount of weight after retiring from professional football.
The former Brazil striker, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, said leaving the game was emotionally devastating and compared the experience to losing a loved one.
Speaking during an appearance on the Futebol Legends Talks podcast, Ronaldo reflected on the difficult transition from life as a world-famous footballer to retirement, admitting that he struggled to cope with the sudden loss of competition and purpose.
READ ALSO: Brazil Legend Ronaldo Reveals Devastating Depression After Football Retirement
Ronaldo says retirement felt like losing someone close
Ronaldo enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning nearly two decades before announcing his retirement in 2011 at the age of 34.
During his playing days, he represented some of the biggest clubs in world football, including PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Corinthians.
He also became one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players, winning the FIFA World Cup twice and earning global recognition for his incredible speed, skill and finishing ability.
However, behind the success came a difficult emotional battle once his playing career came to an end.
“When you decide to leave the game, it feels like someone close to you has died,” Ronaldo said.
“I suffered from severe depression, I gained a lot of weight. It was very difficult to leave football.”
Losing football affected his identity
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that football had shaped his identity for most of his life, making retirement much harder than many people realise.
He admitted that no amount of preparation could have fully prepared him for the emotional impact of no longer being able to compete at the highest level.
“The idea of not playing anymore was devastating,” he said.
For elite athletes, retirement often brings dramatic lifestyle changes. Daily training routines, competitive matches, worldwide recognition and the adrenaline of performing in front of thousands of fans disappear almost overnight.
Mental health experts have long noted that many retired athletes experience depression, anxiety and identity struggles after ending their careers.
Finding purpose again
Although retirement initially pushed him into one of the lowest points of his life, Ronaldo said he eventually learned to reinvent himself.
Over time, he discovered new opportunities outside football that helped him regain a sense of purpose.
“Then you realise there are other things in life that you can do, you can reinvent yourself, but the idea of not competing stayed with me for a long time,” he explained.
Following retirement, Ronaldo ventured into football administration and business, investing in clubs and becoming involved in several commercial projects.
He has also remained an influential figure within world football through media appearances, ambassadorial roles and football development initiatives.
A legendary football career
Ronaldo remains one of football’s most celebrated players.
He won the 1994 FIFA World Cup as part of Brazil’s squad before leading the Seleção to another title in 2002, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals.
His performances earned him two Ballon d’Or awards and three FIFA World Player of the Year honours.
Despite suffering several career-threatening knee injuries, Ronaldo repeatedly returned to the highest level, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest strikers the sport has ever produced.
His remarkable resilience inspired countless footballers around the world.
Mental health in sport
Ronaldo’s candid comments add to the growing number of former athletes speaking openly about mental health after retirement.
In recent years, many sports stars have shared similar experiences, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding depression and emotional wellbeing.
Mental health advocates say stories like Ronaldo’s remind people that success, fame and wealth do not make anyone immune to emotional struggles.
His willingness to discuss depression publicly has been praised by fans, many of whom thanked him for encouraging more honest conversations about life after professional sport.
Today, Ronaldo’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the pitch, serving as a reminder that even sporting legends can face personal battles—and that recovery and reinvention are possible.
External link: Learn more about Ronaldo’s career on FIFA’s official website: https://www.fifa.com/
