R9, aka El Fenomeno, was a footballing hurricane, a force of nature that nobody had seen on the football pitch before. For fans of the game who have a vivid memory of the late 90s and early 2000s, Ronaldo Nazario is a name that immediately brings back memories of a time when the footballing dynamic was a far cry from what it is today.  

When Ronaldo first burst onto the European scene playing for PSV Eindhoven in 1994, there was not the ubiquitous presence of YouTube highlights, football influencers, and social media to thrust precocious talents into the palm of your hand. Back then, a weekly highlight show would suffice, and maybe if you could catch a live game or two when you visited these places, you could see what the fuss was all about.  

While it was no secret just how good he was in his formative years, it wasn’t until we saw him sign for Barcelona and Inter Milan respectively, breaking the then world-record transfer record on both occasions, that the world was shown a glimpse of the man many believe is the most complete striker that has ever played the game. 

Assessing The Online Opinion 

Streamers and gaming influencers play a pivotal role in the growth of the FUT. The dynamics of online gaming have shifted enormously over the last decade, and we have seen this bleed into many areas of the industry. The capability of FC online was discussed long before home video console gaming tapped into this incredible potential. 

In the early 21st century, online gambling, particularly casino games like roulette, was the first to bring an international audience to an interactive digital market. Those who play online roulette and remember how it worked at the turn of the century understand just how influential it has been in shaping online gaming on a broader scale. 

As you can see in the link below, YouTube has become a one-stop shop for all things gaming, from niche poker to classic casino games.  

For those gaming influencers and FUT ultras who spend every waking moment playing FUT, opening packs, and streaming their escapades online, the common consensus, at least what I’ve come across, is that Ronaldo Nozario is the best legend striker, alongside Johan Cryuff, who is widely considered one of the greatest attacking players to have ever played the game.  

Unlocking The Best Brazilian FUT Players 

We’ve seen the FUT carousel play out in real time, especially if you sit around watching people open packs on social media. The excitement surrounding top Brazilian talent is unparalleled. With Ronaldo costing around 11 million coins, he is one of the most expensive cards that there’s ever been on FUT – and aside from fellow Brazilian legend Pele, he is the best striker you can unlock. 

The recent buzz around Neymar and Brazilian clubs returning to FUT shows just how much lore surrounds the Brazilian greats of yesteryear.  

While R9 is rated 94 overall, his immortal icon rating is 96. It’s his individual attributes that make him such a handful for anyone who comes up against him. He has a 5-star rating for his weak foot and skill moves. If you are unaware of how good he is, go watch some YouTube clips and tell us whether you think he doesn’t deserve a 5-star rating for both.   

Assessing The Strengths 

With a weak foot that is arguably as good as his right, speed, acceleration, and finishing that rivals any of the best strikers in the game – there is a real case to be made for R9. It’s his size and speed, which are often an advantage on FC anyway because of the game design, that gives him the edge over someone like Pele or Messi. 

Yes, these players might be more agile, or, in Messi’s case, have better close control, but when it comes to assessing R9’s strengths, he has no weaknesses going forward.  

In reality, his only weakness was his knee, and if he hadn’t been crippled by injuries early on in his career, he could have gone down in history as the undisputed greatest goalscorer to ever play the game. The fact that he is considered that by many despite his injuries shows just how good he was. 

Final Say 

Like many legends, R9’s career following his retirement has not been as glittering as his playing career, with his takeover at Vallodolid petering out into obscurity. However, on the pitch, there are few strikers who can hold a candle to his ability. There’s Pele, Maradona, and Van Basten, all legends, but in terms of an all-round striker, many ex-professionals believe that Ronaldo Nozario is the greatest striker of all time.  

Who are we to disagree? His stats on FUT certainly solidify this belief. If you have been lucky enough to play with this card, you’ll know just how good he is, and if you played against a team that has him, you’ll know how much of a nightmare he is to stop. A very deserved 94 rating, and undeniably one of the best goalscorers we’ve ever seen on FUT. While the idea of him being the best depends on your gaming style, he is an asset to any team.