Ronaldo and David Beckham are one of the most prominent names in the football world and in fact in football history. Both the players made an enormous number of records while playing for their clubs and country. Both of them played together for Real Madrid and were very much successful for the Spanish club as well. But this time these two names will be India's hope at the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh from Manipur and David Beckham from Andaman and Nicobar Islands are India's two cyclists who can bring medals to the country. Though they know a little about football, just like their name seeks, they can surely make some records.

Read Also: Who was the first Indian woman to win a medal in Commonwealth Games?

Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh | Indian Cyclist

The 20-year-old young Junior World No.1 is India's biggest hope at the Commonwealth Games. To everyone's surprise, his name is not given after Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo or Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazario de Lima. In fact, his name was given after another Brazilian star Ronaldinho Gaucho. For your information, Ronaldinho's real name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. He was nicknamed Ronlandinho because of his small stature.

A post shared by Ronaldo Laitonjam Singh (@ronaldo_laitofficial)

It was 2nd June 2022, England vs Brazil in the grandest stage of the Football World Cup, the semi-final. England conceded a free-kick and it was Ronaldoniho who scored one of the most iconic goals in world cup history to give Brazil the lead.

CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) jawan Roben Singh, Ronaldo's father was watching the match in Jammu and Kashmir with his other fellow colleagues. As Ronaldoniho went up to take that free kick, he guessed that it would go in. And, it did go in. Soon after the goal, the phone rang and Roben Singh got the news that his wife is in labour pain.

"I think my dad won some money that day. That's probably why I got that name. He felt I was very lucky for him," Ronaldo said in an interview with the Hindu.

Till now Ronaldo has made many records for India. He has been on the scene since he was 14. Since then, he has won a gold medal in the men's team sprint at the 2019 world junior cycling championships in Germany. That was India's first-ever medal for any cyclist event, junior or senior. Ronaldo had teamed up with Y Rojit Singh, Jemsh Singh and Esow Alban.

Then he went on to win the junior men's keirin gold at the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2019 in South Korea. Post that, he went on to become the Junior World NO. 1 in the keirin, individual sprint and time trial – three events of Cycling.

Along with that, Ronaldo Singh helped India win the bronze in the men's team sprint at the continental meet. He himself won the bronze as well in the 1km trail. Moreover, in that event, he became the first Indian to go below the 10 secs mark in the 200m flying time trial by clocking 9.46 seconds.

Read Also: India at Commonwealth Games since 1934 | How many medals India have won in the CWG?

David Beckham | Indian Cylclist

The story of David Beckam, the Indian Cylclist is quite the same as Ronaldo when it comes to the name. David's entire family is a big fan of England star footballer David Beckham. That is why he was named after him.

A post shared by David Beckham (@david_beckhamofficial_)

David started living with his grandparents after his father died in 2004 Tsunami and his mother passed away ten years later in an infection.

Unlike Ronaldo Singh, David was very much interested in football. In fact, he has played in the Subroto Cup, the premier Inter-School Tournament in India. However, he took up cycling due to urge of his grandfather. David has been cycling since 2017 and has won international medals in 2021.

He won a gold and a silver in sprint and keirin at a meet in Portugal – his first international medal. Moreover, he was also in the spritn team with Ronaldo Singh which won the bronze at the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2022.

El Clasico is one of football’s biggest rivalries, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Over the years, they’ve played many exciting and emotional matches, full of great goals and big moments. With stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos, these games are always packed with talent and drama.

10. Real Madrid 5-0 FC Barcelona, 1995

The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.

The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.

9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014

The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Bale secured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.

8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010

After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.

Read Also: Barcelona vs Real Madrid trophy battle: Which club has won more trophies

7. FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, 2007

This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.

Messi scored a hat-trick, while Van Nistelrooy scored twice and Ramos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.

6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005

The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.

5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960

Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.

The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.

4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015

During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Read Also: Youngest goalscorers in El Clasico: Lamine Yamal breaks 77-year-old record to become the youngest ever

3. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 1988

With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.

2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011

One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.

Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.

1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017

Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.

What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.

It is a childhood dream for everyone to represent their country in a global tournament like FIFA World Cup. But imagine, you are actually a young lad, and yet you are playing the tournament and winning it. For some lucky but no doubt exceptionally talented players, this became a reality. 

In this article from Sportz Point, discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.

5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup:

5. Thierry Henry | 20 Years | France:

Before Kylian Mbappe became a familiar name, there was Thierry Henry in a star-studded French team including the biggest stars like Zinedine Zidane, Lillian Thuram, and Patrick Viera led by Didier Deschamps. Henry at the age of just 20, burst into the limelight with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

However, Henry did not make an appearance against Brazil, where France won 3-0. He had already played his role, scoring thrice in six matches. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Henry was one of the guaranteed starters in the squad.

4. Kylian Mbappe | 19 Years | France:

With astonishing speed and agility, it feels like he is in a sports car on a football field. Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the age of 19. Mbappe became the youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup final since Pele in 1958, bringing back the title to France after 20 years.

He was one of the most important players for France throughout the season. In the round of 16, Mbappe managed to score a brace in five minutes, knocking out Lionel Messi's Argentina 4-3. Mbappe craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

3. Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 Years | Italy:

Giuseppe Bergomi was selected by the Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup squad. He started the tournament on the bench and during the group stage did a great job marking Socrates and Serginho against Brazil in a memorable 3-2 win. Bergomi impressed everyone with his maturity in the Semi-final and the Final.

Giuseppe Bergomi was a FIFA World Cup winner just over a year after making his first appearance in the senior match. Bergomi is one of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup. 

2. Ronaldo Nazario | 17 Years | Brazil:

Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon" was a generational talent. If not for a catalog of serious knee injuries, he would probably be known as the greatest ever to play football. In 1994, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team in the United States. However, he only made it to the bench and did not play a single minute. Ronaldo Nazario placed second in this list of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo scored a staggering 115 goals in 134 games between 1994 and 1999 during two brilliant spells at Barcelona (37 goals, 34 games) and PSV (46 goals in 42 games). By 23, he had scored over 200 goals for club and country.

1. Pele | 17 Years | Brazil:

Pele is the most well-known footballer in the history of the sport and possibly the greatest attacking player of the 20th century. The Brazilian legend was just 17 years and 249 days old in 1958 when Brazil outdid Sweden by 5-2 in the final at the Rashunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden. Pele scored a brace, winning Brazil their first-ever World Cup. 

Pele is the youngest player to win the FIFA World Cup on this list. Brazil’s 5-2 triumph over France in the semi-finals saw Pele become the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in World Cup history. He also won the World Cup in 1962 in Chile. Later on, he went on to claim his third World Cup trophy after eight years in Mexico. He is the only player to have won 3 World Cup trophies.

Indian Football fans are set to witness an unforgettable night as Football Plus Academy officially launches ticket sales for the highly anticipated Brazil All-Stars vs India All-Stars match, featuring FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian football icons. The historic showdown will take place on March 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

This unique event will mark the first time that members of Brazil's legendary World Cup-winning squad, including Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Cafu, and Coach Dunga-will play on Indian soil. The match promises to be a grand spectacle, as the Brazilian greats take on the star-studded India All-Stars team, led by the legendary coach Prasanta Kumar Banerjee. 

Confirmed lineups for Brazil all-star vs India all-star pic.twitter.com/Po2IvZN6TM

— Subhajit Majumder 🇮🇳⚽ (@SubhajitM24) March 19, 2025

Brazil All-Star:

Goalkeepers:

• Heurelho da Silva Gomes
• Diogo Gill de Oliveira

Defenders:

• Claudio Roberto de Silva
• Gilberto Silva
• Edmilson
• Jenilson Angelo de Souza

Midfielders:

• Jose Kleberson Perirera
• Giovanini Silva de Oliveira
• Ricardo Oliveria
• Rivaldo
• Marcleo Fernando Domingues de Rezende (Camanducaia)
• Elivelton

Forwards:

• Paulo Sergio
• Viola
• Jorginho
• Amaral
• Lucio
• Ronaldinho

Manager:

• Dunga
• Alexander Ferro

India All-Stars:

Goalkeepers:

• Subhasish Roychowdhury
• Karanjit Singh

Defenders:

• Mehtab Hossain
• Deepak Kumar Mandal
• Mahesh Gawali
• Mehraj Uddin Wadoo

Midfielders:

• Ravanan Dharmaraj
• Pradeep NP
• Syed Rahim Nabi
• Climax Lourenco
• Arnab Kumar Mondal

Forwards:

• Alvito D'Cunha
• Venkatesh Shanmugam
• Mohan Raj
• Bibiano Fernandes
• IM Vijayan

Manager:

• Prasanta Kumar Banerjee

Ticket Details:

Tickets are available exclusively on Book My Show from Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4 pm IST with limited tickets available.

Rivaldo's reaction:

“I am coming to share an unforgettable experience. On March 30th, I’ll be there to create truly special moments with all of you. It’s going to be an incredible experience"

Brazilian legend Rivaldo also shared his enthusiasm for the match, promising Indian fans an unforgettable experience and looking forward to creating special moments on the pitch. 

Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.

In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:

1. Pele
2. Lionel Messi
3. Diego Maradona
4. Zico
5. Romario
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
7. Marco Van Basten
8. Zinedine Zidane
9. Luis Figo
10. Rivaldo 
11. Ronaldinho

1. Pele

Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.

2. Lionel Messi

Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.

Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:

Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.

3. Diego Maradona

Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.

In 2018, Maradona said:

“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”

4. Zico

Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.

The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.

5. Romario

Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together. 

Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.

In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or. 

During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’

He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.

We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.

Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN: 

Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.

7. Marco Van Basten:

There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.

8. Zinedine Zidane

During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.

9. Luis Figo

Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.

The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.

10. Rivaldo

Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.

11. Ronaldinho

The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.

Assists are as important as scoring goals in the world of football. Sometimes, it is the assist that helps teams win matches. Football gave us many maestros those who believe more in helping the goal rather than putting themselves on the scoresheet. In this article, we are going to discuss those maestros, who have given the most assists in each year from 2005 to 2024.

Since 2005 the football world has had many greats like Ronaldinho Gaucho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, and many more, who made football look easy. However, only some of them make the list of Most assist providers in the history of football.

Read Also | Messi vs Ronaldo: The major trophies they have failed to win

Most assists in each year in Europe's top five leagues, all competitions and country

In 2005, Ronaldinho Gaucho was the highest assist provider. The Brazilian legend won the Ballon d'Or that year as well for his incredible show at club and country level. He provided 26 assists for FC Barcelona and Brazil's national team. His 26 assists came only in the 45 appearances he made that year.

Just like him, players like Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Ribery, Juninho, Fabregas, Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar Junior, Thomas Muller, Bruno Fernandes, and Lamine Yamal are the players who have provided the most assists for their respective Clubs and countries since 2005.

In 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, and 2011 Lionel Messi provided the most assists for FC Barcelona and Argentina. Among these years, in 2020, and 2011 Messi won the Ballon d'Or as well.

He had 30 assists in 2022, while in 2020 he provided 26 assists. In 2018, Messi had 29 assists and in 2016 had 34 assists, capping off a great decade for the Argentine. However, 2011 was the best calendar year for him as he provided 38 assists for Barcelona and Argentina combined. 

Read Also |  10 players with the Most Assists in football history (Club + Country)

The German legend Mesut Ozil has topped in assists chart thrice since 2005; in 2013, 2010, and 2009. In 2009, for Werder Bremen and the German national team, he had 32 assists. In 2010, he signed for Real Madrid, where he became one of the best in modern football. 

In 2010, he furnished 28 assists for Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, and Germany combined. Three years later, he topped the chart again with 24 assists for the Arsenal FC, Real Madrid, and Germany.

Belgian mid-fielder and current captain of the Manchester City team Kevin De Bruyne has achieved many great things for Manchester City. The midfielder is known for his playmaking.

Read Also | 11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them

Kevin topped the chart twice in the 2015 and 2019 calendar year. In 2015, he provided 31 assists for Wolfsburg, Manchester City F.C. and Belgium combined. In 2019, he provided 30 assists for Manchester City and Belgium.

In 2024, a 17-year-old wonder-kid and a La Masia graduate was promoted to the main team of FC Barcelona. Lamine Yamal in 2024, stunned the world with his incredible playmaking ability. The wonder-kid provided 26 assists for club and country in his most successful campaign as a football player. Despite not winning any trophies in 2024, he was awarded the Kopa Trophy, as the best U-21 footballer in the world. He also won the Best Young Player in Euro 2024 as well.