Ronaldo first became the star of a soccer club at the age of________.

Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Limal was born on 22 September 1976 in a poor suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Like most of his childhood friends, Ronaldo began his soccer career playing barefoot in the streets of his neighborhood. (11) At the age of 14, he joined a soccer club and only two years later became the star of the club scoring a total of 58 goals in 60 matches and (12) earned himself a reputation for his explosive pace and outstanding finishing skills. His goal-scoring record and unusual alertness led him to be included in the Brazilian World Cup winning team the following year. After the World Cup, many top European football clubs were trying to sign him. Since his transfer to the Dutch team, Ronaldo’s biography is one of success after success. Since the 1998 World Cup he has suffered two serious knee injuries that have severely limited his appearances. Just when people began to wonder whether Ronaldo would be able to continue with his football career, he proved to the world that he still could play. (13)In the World Cup held in Korea and Japan, the magical striker won the Golden Shoe award. He helped Brazil capture its fifth World Cup championship. It was the third time that Ronaldo has ever played in the World Cup.