Brazilian · Paulista, Pernambuco · Born 19 April 1972Brazil's World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or holder whose bicycle kick goals and creative brilliance lit up the late 1990s.
Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira was born in Paulista, Pernambuco in 1972, one of five children in a poor family. He began at Santa Cruz before progressing through Brazilian football to Palmeiras (1994–96) and then Deportivo de La Coruña (1996–97). Barcelona paid £17.9 million in 1997 and his five seasons (1997–2002) produced 136 goals in 235 appearances and 2 La Liga titles. He won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil — scoring a bicycle-kick winner against Belgium in the quarter-final that won Goal of the Tournament. Spells at AC Milan (2002–03), Cruzeiro (2003–04), Olympiacos (2004–07) and others extended his career globally. He earned 74 Brazil caps scoring 35 goals. He scored 382 career goals and 197 assists in 803 appearances. His top speed of 32.4 km/h and 10.3 km per game reflected an elite level forward. His hat-trick against Valencia in 2001 — the third goal a bicycle kick in the 89th minute to keep Barcelona in the Champions League — remains one of the most dramatic individual hat-trick finishes in European football history.
Winning the 1999 Ballon d'Or and scoring crucial goals in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder/forward with exceptional left foot, known for long-range strikes, free kicks, and ability to create chances
Lasting Impact
One of the most technically gifted players of his generation, known for spectacular goals and clutch performances in major tournaments
Career Honours
- Champions League finalist 1999 (Barcelona)
- La Liga 1998, 1999 (Barcelona)
- Copa del Rey 1998
- FIFA World Cup 2002 (Brazil)
- Ballon d'Or 1999
- FIFA World Player of Year 1999
- FIFA World Cup 2002
- La Liga 1998
- La Liga 1999
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 1988–1992 | — | 27 | 9 | #10 |
| Mogi Mirim | 1992–1994 | — | 27 | 9 | — |
| Corinthians | 1993–1994 | loan | 22 | 11 | — |
| Palmeiras | 1994–1996 | — | 112 | 67 | — |
| Deportivo La Coruña | 1996–1997 | — | 41 | 21 | #10 |
| Barcelona | 1997–2002 | £17.9m | 157 | 86 | #10 |
| AC Milan | 2002–2003 | — | 22 | 5 | — |
| Cruzeiro | 2004–2004 | — | 7 | 2 | — |
| Olympiacos | 2004–2007 | — | 70 | 36 | — |
| AEK Athens | 2007–2008 | — | 35 | 12 | — |
| Bunyodkor | 2008–2011 | — | 53 | 33 | — |
| São Paulo | 2011–2011 | loan | 39 | 6 | — |
| Kabuscorp | 2012–2012 | — | 21 | 11 | — |
| São Caetano | 2013–2013 | — | 17 | 2 | — |
| Mogi Mirim | 2014–2015 | — | 12 | 1 | — |
 Brazil | — | — | 74 | 35 | — |
Brazilian Athletes