Brazil legend Ronaldo revealed his famous 2002 World Cup haircut was a deliberate distraction to shift attention away from a leg injury before the country s fifth title.
Ronaldo dazzled in South Korea and Japan 16 years ago, scoring twice as Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to be crowned world champions.
The 2002 showpiece, though, is best known for Ronaldo s unique hairstyle and the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year provided an insight into his decision to shave his head.
I had an injury in my leg and everybody was talking about that, Ronaldo said in Melbourne, where he headlined the announcement of Real Madrid s World of Football Experience – an exhibition set to open in June before continuing to tour the world for another five years across 14 cities.
I decided to cut my hair and leave the small thing there. I come to training and everybody saw me with bad hair.
Everybody was talking about the hair and forgot about the injury. I could stay more calm and relaxed and focused on my training.
I m not proud about the hair itself because it was pretty strange. But it was a good way to change the subject.
Brazil have not won the World Cup since Ronaldo s man-of-the-match heroics in Yokohama.
The South American giants were embarrassed 7-1 by eventual champions Germany on home soil in 2014.
Tite s Brazil, though, head to Russia as one of the favourites to claim the coveted crown this year.
Asked about Brazil s chances, former Real Madrid star Ronaldo – who amassed 98 international caps – said: A few national teams that always will be there in the finals like Germany, Spain, France. All very strong teams. Let s see. I hope Brazil can win again.
Ronaldo – also a dual-Ballon d Or recipient – added: I m very optimistic about the Brazilian national team. We changed a lot from the last two years improved a lot with the new coach.
We have Renato Augusto who plays in China [for Beijing Guoan] and for the national team. [Where they play] is not the problem. [Shanghai SIPG forward] Hulk has been a lot with Tite and I think football right now is more global than ever.
