Rivaldo - Memoirs of the Quintessential Magician

The 2002 FIFA World Cup

Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo (R) jubilates after he scored his team’s first goal during the England/Brazil quarterfinal match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

While his club career was celebrated, his disproportionate achievements on the national stage was always a black spot on his career. He wiped this off as he finally won the World Cup in 2002 in Asia. He was part of the famous trio that proved themselves too hot to handle as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo picked apart every defense in the Championships and brought home their Fifth World Cup. Rivaldo scored in the first five games of the World Cup as he decimated every opponent he faced.

While the zenith of his career was achieved here, there was a potential cheapskate incident by Rivaldo dissembling one of the greatest football careers. In the closing stages of the match, with the ball out of play, Turkish defender Hakan Unsal kicked a ball towards Rivaldo, who was waiting at the corner flag. The ball struck his thigh, but Rivaldo fell to the ground clutching his face.

The referee sent the Turkish player off with a second yellow card. After a video review, Rivaldo was fined heavily by the FIFA.

This disgrace will always remain the prejudicial black spot of his footballing genius as the credibility of his humane qualities remained a distinct question after. However, the footballing abilities overshadowed all those doubts as Rivaldo was called the best player of the tournament by his coach Luis Felipe Scolari.

The ‘three Rs’ of Brazil had been decisive in winning the World Cup but there still remained an empty cabinet on Rivlado’s room of treasures – A champions League victory.

Champions League and a relocation to Greece

While a highly successful first season at the San Siro sought to the fact that his cabaret was full with a title at the pinnacle of European football, game time was quite hard to come by.

This resulted in a loan to Cruzeiro but that was a temporary setting as he moved to Greek side Olympiacos a year later. In his three years at Olympiacos, he fulfilled everything there was to do in Greek Football by winning the League thrice and the Cup twice. His 41 goals in 91 games animated the fact that he was still in his prime.

But, once he was out of Olympiacos, his career started declining into the shadows as the world celebrated some of its newest stars in Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. However aged though he may be, his love for the game and a childish happiness in having a ball at his feet never quite left him as he continued playing till the age of 42.

His Legacy

Amidst not so much fanfare, Rivaldo announced retirement at the age of 42.

Two weeks ago, Rivaldo called curtains on his prestigious career and emanated emotional responses from his fans all over the world as they watched their idol, one of football’s greatest players step down. The man who had achieved so much from the underwhelming despair of life had inspired millions around the world. The story of Rivaldo portrays extraordinary dedication, immense passion, an innate ability to inspire and above all a testimony which makes people believe in themselves.

The greatest regret of Rivaldo’s career is the fact that he is never placed in the same bracket as Zidane, Pele and Maradona. But, I believe we could do more than to implant him in the same bracket as he retreats into the dusk still acclaimed as one of the finest attacking midfielders ever.

Spanish football expert John Carlin wrote that Rivaldo “combines to dazzling effect the two essential qualities of the ideal footballer: artistry and efficiency”.

Would there be a better way to sum up one of the most celebrated careers in World football? I believe not.