Position: Forward
Born: 22.09.76
Club: Real Madrid

After four years of injuries and soul-searching, Ronaldo re-established himself as the pre-eminent striker of his generation at the 2002 World Cup.

He scored eight goals, including two in the final as Brazil swept to their fifth World Cup title to erase the painful memories of the 1998 final.

That occasion will be forever remembered for the mysterious 'fit' that struck Ronaldo the night before the game, prompting confusion and debate as to whether the great striker would even make the team.

He did play, but was a pale shadow of the man who had terrorised defences on the way to being named World Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997.

France, of course, won 3-0, and Ronaldo was branded a failure after scoring 'only' four goals in the tournament.

But his redemption was absolute in Japan, his eight goals were the most by a single player in a tournament since the German Gerd Muller in 1970, and also took him level with Pele on 12 finals goals.

Ronaldo has been a prolific scorer at club level for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid as well as Brazil, and is assured of his place among the game's all-time greats.